State Criminal.

A statewide criminal search queries the state's central repository of criminal records, giving you broader geographic coverage within a single state than searching counties individually. State repositories aggregate records from counties across the state - and they can catch records from jurisdictions you might not think to search on their own. For candidates with extensive history within a state, this search covers ground that individual county searches might miss simply because you didn't know to look there.

What State Searches Include:

• 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.

The Reporting Reality

Not all state repositories are created equal. Some states maintain highly current, comprehensive centralized databases. Others update less frequently or have gaps in county-level reporting to the state system. Reporting completeness varies - some states are more current than others, and that's a factor CIChecked accounts for when building your screening strategy.

In states with strong centralized reporting, a statewide search can be one of the most efficient tools in your program. In states where reporting is less consistent, it's still a valuable layer - but it works best as a supplement to targeted county searches rather than a replacement for them.

A Supplement That Catches What You'd Miss

The real value of a state criminal search is catching records from jurisdictions you wouldn't otherwise know to search. Your candidate's SSN and Address History identifies where they've lived, and county searches cover those specific locations. But a statewide search sweeps the entire state - including counties where your candidate may have had contact with the criminal justice system without ever establishing an address there.

That's why CIChecked positions state searches as a strategic layer in a well-built screening program, particularly in states with strong centralized reporting.

Bottom Line: State criminal searches give you broader geographic coverage within a single state than individual county searches, and they catch records from places you might not think to look. Reporting completeness varies by state, and CIChecked knows which states deliver strong results and where to supplement with county-level searches for complete coverage.