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Case Study: The Power of Disposition Research
This case demonstrates why comprehensive research beyond initial database hits is essential. Many providers stop at "no record found" in automated systems, missing critical information available through direct court research.
Applicant: Johnny Applicant
Enhanced Research: Direct Court Contact When automated systems returned no records, the screening provider conducted direct research with the state repository, which revealed an arrest record from Grant County, Oklahoma, with no disposition listed .
Basic Info: White Male, DOB: 01/12/1971Height: 5'11", Weight: 180 lbsEyes: Blue, Hair: BrownSSN: 444-XX-XXXX
State Repository Record
DOC NO: 247359 Date Arrested: 01/22/1998 Location: Grant County, Jefferson, OK Charge: Burglary, Felony Disposition: Not Listed
Initial Search Results
Nationwide Database: No Record Found Online County Search: No Record Found
AOC Database: No Record Found Federal Search: No Record Found Civil Search: No Record Found Sex Offender: No Record Found
Follow-Up Court Research
Additional research conducted directly with court clerk revealed:
DISPOSITION: Felony ConvictionSentence: 10 years prison Time Served: 10 years prison + 49 days jail Received: 01/22/1998 Paroled: 04/23/2001
Many providers would stop here and report a clean background. However, the best providers don't rely solely on automated systems.
Key Lesson: Ask your provider: "What do you do when you find a criminal charge without a disposition?" Premium providers invest in additional research to determine outcomes. Budget providers report "no record" and move on, leaving you exposed to serious risk.
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County Criminal Records: The Gold Standard
Direct county court searches represent the most accurate and comprehensive source for criminal records. Unlike database searches that may be incomplete or outdated, county searches access the official court records where cases are filed and maintained. Critical County Search Considerations:
7-Year vs. 10-Year Lookback Federal FCRA guidelines limit most reporting to seven years for non-executive positions. However, some states mandate 10-year searches or have no limitations for certain positions. Know your state requirements.
Reporting Limitations by State State-specific laws may restrict what can be reported based on case type, disposition, salary level, or other factors. California, New York, and Massachusetts have particularly strict limitations.
Developed vs. Given Names Courts may file cases under legal names, nicknames, maiden names, or name variations. "William" may appear as "Bill" or "Billy." Hispanic naming conventions may use maternal surnames.
"Unlimited" Search Scope Beware of vague "unlimited" search claims. Ask specifically: Does this mean unlimited years, unlimited counties, or unlimited name variations? Each has different cost and compliance implications.
Common Name Challenges Common names like "John Smith" or "Maria Garcia" require additional identifiers (DOB, SSN, address) to ensure accurate matching and avoid reporting records belonging to different individuals.
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