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Critical Lessons from County Searches
Alias Searches Are Mandatory All searches must include alias names and name variations to ensure comprehensive coverage. Records may be filed under nicknames, maiden names, or legal name changes.
Sex Offender Registry Migration Sex offender registrations transfer to the offender's current state of residence, not necessarily where the conviction occurred.
Historical Record Availability Older county records are rarely available online or through automated systems. Many jurisdictions have incomplete digitization of historical records.
Seven-Year Reporting Restrictions Many states legally restrict criminal record reporting beyond seven years. However, most background screening companies aren't well-versed in NIGC requirements and default to seven-year searches only.
Two-Identifier Matching Requirement Most screening companies require at least two matching identifiers (name + DOB, SSN, or address). Name-only matches are typically reported as "No Record Found" to avoid false positives.
Verification Research Essential Additional research and verification are almost always necessary when criminal "hits" appear in initial searches.
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State-by-State Reporting Restrictions Understanding state-specific criminal record reporting limitations is critical for compliance. The following map illustrates which states impose time-based restrictions on criminal record reporting. These restrictions significantly impact what information can legally be included in background screening reports. These restrictions create complex compliance challenges for multi-state employers and tribal gaming operations. Screening procedures must adapt based on where the applicant has lived and worked, requiring sophisticated knowledge of state-specific regulations.
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