State Criminal.

Full Criminal Record Search History

Here's the uncomfortable truth about state criminal searches: most are masquerading as comprehensive coverage. While a handful of states like New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Vermont maintain decent statewide databases, the majority are about as reliable as weather forecasts—sometimes accurate, often disappointing, always incomplete.

The CIChecked Reality Check

Outside those few functional states, we skip the state middleman and go straight to county courts where the real records live. Why pay premium prices for watered-down state compilations when we can get fresh, complete data directly from the source? It's like choosing between day-old pizza and a hot slice—both might fill you up, but only one delivers what you actually want.

What State Searches Include (When They Work):

• Statewide Coverage: All counties within the state in one search (7-10 years of history)
• Misdemeanor & Felony Records: Both conviction types when properly maintained
• Pending Cases: Open charges that haven't reached disposition
• Cost Efficiency: One search instead of multiple county searches within the state

Fast Turnaround for Quick Decisions: Most state searches deliver results within 24 hours, letting you move candidates through your pipeline without the delays of multiple county searches.

Reading the Red Flags

Violent felonies and financial crimes typically disqualify candidates, while older misdemeanors might warrant individual assessment. Drug-related convictions matter more for safety-sensitive positions, while theft convictions are critical for financial roles. Our investigators review all New York results for compliance, filtering out arrests (which are illegal to consider) and ensuring only conviction data reaches clients.

New York: The Exception That Proves the Rule

New York actually maintains a functional statewide system, but here's where it gets interesting. The official NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA) search costs $95 per name and delivers comprehensive coverage from all 62 counties, including city and county court data with regular updates (every 24 hours in NYC, weekly elsewhere).

But Here's the Kicker: Our proprietary NY Checked™ delivers the same statewide coverage for $60 less than the OCA search. Same comprehensive criminal history, same reliable results, significantly better value. It's like getting first-class service at economy prices. When clients specifically request it or need additional research depth, we also conduct official OCA searches. These provide exact name and DOB matching across all 62 New York counties, including approximately 20% of town and village court data.

Bottom Line: State criminal searches work brilliantly in the few states that maintain proper databases, and they're largely worthless everywhere else. Know the difference, choose accordingly, and save your money for searches that actually deliver results.