How to Check if Someone Was Arrested

How to Check if Someone Was Arrested


As of 2023, a third of the people in America have a criminal record. While some crimes are relatively mild, there are people who have been arrested for serious criminal acts. Naturally, those with a heavy rap sheet will not disclose the information right of the bat. That is why it is important to perform an arrest history search; discover how to check if someone was arrested, and learn more about the people in your life.


First thing first: what is an arrest record?


A person's arrest history, including any charges lodged against them, is recorded in their arrest record. It is developed by law enforcement authorities following the arrest of a person. Name, birthdate, physical description, fingerprints, and information regarding the arrest, such as the time and place of the arrest, the nature of the arrest, and the identity of the arresting officer, are normally included in the record. 

 

Anyone who makes a request can see arrest records because they are regarded as public records. Employers, landlords, and other parties may use them to determine a person's moral character or eligibility for particular jobs.

 

Handcuffs on top of a set of fingerprints file


What information does an arrest record contain?


An arrest record typically contains information related to an individual's arrest, including:


• Personal Information: This includes the arrested person's full name, date of birth, social security number, and other identifying information such as their address, phone number, and occupation.


• Arrest Details: This section will provide the date, time, and location of the arrest. It will also provide the name of the law enforcement agency that made the arrest and the name and badge number of the arresting officer.


• Charges: This section will detail the charges that the person was arrested for, including the nature of the crime and the degree of severity. It will also include the section of the law that was violated.


• Bail or Bond Information: This section will provide information about the amount of bail or bond required for the person's release. It will also include any conditions attached to the bail or bond, such as restrictions on travel or contact with certain individuals.


• Booking Photograph: A photograph of the arrested person is taken at the time of booking. This photograph is used for identification purposes.


• Fingerprints: Fingerprints are taken at the time of booking to create a record of the person's identity. These fingerprints are stored in a database for future reference.


• Court Appearance Information: This section will provide information about the date and time of the person's first court appearance. It will also include the name of the judge and the courtroom where the appearance will take place.


• Disposition: The disposition section will detail the final outcome of the case. This can include information about whether the charges were dropped, whether the person was found guilty or not guilty, or if the person pleaded guilty or had no contest. It may also include information about any sentence or punishment that was imposed.


Overall, an arrest record contains important information about a person's involvement in the criminal justice system. This information is used by law enforcement agencies and courts to make decisions about the person's release, prosecution, and sentencing. 

a man touching a 3D illustration of the word crime


Why should I perform an arrest record search?


There are several reasons why someone may want to search for another person's arrest record. Some of the most common reasons include:


• Employment Screening: Employers may want to know if a job applicant has a criminal record that could affect their suitability for a particular job. This is particularly common for positions that involve working with vulnerable populations, handling sensitive information, or requiring a high level of trust, such as jobs in healthcare, finance, or law enforcement.


• Tenant Screening: Landlords may want to know if a potential tenant has a criminal history that could indicate a risk to the property or other tenants. This can help them make an informed decision about whether to rent to the individual or not.


• Personal Safety: Individuals may want to search for another person's arrest record if they have concerns about their safety or the safety of others. For example, a person may want to know if their new neighbor has a history of violent crime or domestic abuse.


• Legal Proceedings: Attorneys may search for arrest records as part of legal proceedings. For example, a defense attorney may search for arrest records to challenge the admissibility of evidence or to question the credibility of a witness. A prosecutor may search for arrest records to build a case against a defendant.


• Public Interest: Members of the public may want to search for arrest records to obtain information about a person or to monitor the actions of law enforcement agencies. For example, journalists may want to access arrest records to investigate potential cases of police misconduct or to report on crime trends in a particular area.


It's important to note that not all arrest records are available to the public. In some jurisdictions, arrest records are considered confidential and can only be accessed by authorized individuals or with a court order. Additionally, certain arrest records may be sealed or expunged after a certain period of time or under certain circumstances, making them inaccessible to the public.

 

Men hands with handcuffs fill the police record


How to perform an arrest records search


Here are 5 ways to perform an arrest records search in America:


1. Online Public Records Databases: There are many online public records databases that can provide access to arrest records. These databases typically require a fee for access but can provide extensive information on a person's criminal history, including arrest records, court records, and other public records. 


2. Law Enforcement Agencies: If you know which law enforcement agency made the arrest, you can contact that agency directly to request a copy of the arrest record. However, this option may require a fee and may only be available to authorized individuals, such as the person who was arrested or their legal representative.


3. Court Records: Many arrest records are a matter of public record and can be found in court records. You can search court records online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which is used by federal courts, or through individual state court websites. However, not all court records are available online, and some may require a fee to access.


4. State and County Records Repositories: Many states and counties maintain their own repositories of criminal records, including arrest records. These repositories can typically be accessed online or in person by contacting the relevant agency or department. However, access to these records may be restricted or require a fee, depending on the state or county.


5. Private Investigators: If you are unable to locate an arrest record through other means, you may want to consider hiring a private investigator. Private investigators have access to a variety of databases and resources that can help them locate hard-to-find information, including arrest records. However, this option can be expensive and may not be necessary for all situations.


It's important to note that not all arrest records are available to the public, and access to these records may be restricted or require a legal basis, depending on the state or jurisdiction. Additionally, some arrest records may be sealed or expunged after a certain period of time or under certain circumstances, making them inaccessible to the public.

 

Close-up shots of criminal Taking finger to fingerprinting crime page file


How to find arrest records with truepeoplesearch.io


One of the quickest and easiest ways to find arrest records is with a true people finder; these types of search engines connect users to public records and do all the legwork for them. 

 

However, not all true people search websites are created equal; there are true people search websites that provide very little data, so you need to use a professional search engine. Truepeoplesearch.io is one of the leading people search websites, allowing users to find arrest records, and much more.


To use the directory, all you need to do is enter details about a person of interest into the search fields: first name, last name, and state of residence. 

 

The online directory will immediately begin to scan public records in search of information about the said person. At the end of the search, you will receive an online report that includes all the public records data of the person that you are searching for, including their arrest records. Every search lasts several minutes, so you will receive all the answers that you need in no time at all. 


To sum up


If you were wondering how to check if someone was arrested, you have received the answers here. You can find arrest records in America in several ways, and find out who was arrested, and why. 

 

One of the fastest and most efficient ways to perform the search is with a true people search; truepeoplesearch.io is available to you 24/7, with extensive access to public records. You can perform unlimited arrest records queries with the website, and find out the truth about the people in your life.


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