Identify the specific person and gather full name, date of birth, and any known aliases
Determine the jurisdiction where records may exist, such as city, county, state, or federal
Check official court websites for criminal case search tools
Search county clerk or court clerk online databases
Review state judiciary or public records portals
Search state police or department of justice criminal history resources
Request a background check from authorized government agencies if permitted
Use federal court records through PACER for federal cases
Search inmate locator databases for current or past incarceration records
Check sex offender registries if relevant
Visit the courthouse in person for public records requests
Submit a records request under the applicable public records law
Use third-party background check services cautiously and verify results with official records
Confirm identity carefully to avoid mixing records with someone else
Note that sealed, expunged, juvenile, or restricted records may not be available publicly
Follow all laws and privacy rules when accessing or using criminal records