A county search is tied to a specific courthouse jurisdiction. It may locate reportable felony and misdemeanor records and pending cases maintained by that court, subject to record availability, identity matching, reporting rules, and the scope ordered.
How is a county search different from a national database search?
A broad database search and a county courthouse search serve different purposes. A database can help identify records or jurisdictions across many sources, while a county search focuses on the official records available through a particular local court. A responsible package may use identity and address information to help determine which counties should be researched.
How are counties selected?
Selection may be based on disclosed addresses, address history, work locations, identified records, client requirements, and the screening policy. The goal is not to search counties at random; it is to define a consistent, job-related scope before ordering. The Essential and Driver packages include county-level verification in up to three counties.
Why can processing time vary?
Some courts provide electronic access, while others require clerk-assisted or in-person research. Court schedules, identifiers, common names, holidays, older files, and a need to verify a possible match can affect timing. Typical processing is two to five business days, but a specific jurisdiction may take longer.
What can create an additional fee?
Some courts charge access or retrieval fees. Searches beyond the three counties included in a package also carry an additional per-county charge. Review the current county access fee schedule; government fees may change without notice.
How should employers use criminal-record information?
The employer—not the screening provider—makes the employment decision. Apply written standards consistently, consider applicable federal, state, and local restrictions, and follow required pre-adverse and adverse-action procedures when a consumer report may affect the decision.
County search questions
Does a national search replace county verification?
Not necessarily. The searches have different scopes and sources. Employers should define an appropriate screening package based on the role, locations, policy, and applicable requirements.
Are all court records reportable?
No. Availability and reportability depend on the record, identifiers, disposition, age of the record, jurisdiction, federal law, and applicable state or local restrictions.
How many counties are included?
The Essential and Driver packages include county-level verification in up to three counties. Additional counties and applicable courthouse fees are charged separately.