Are Criminal Convictions Public Record?

If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States, this fact is public record. This means the record of your conviction, including the details of the case, are available for anyone who goes to a court clerk’s office and searches for your specific files. The only exception to this general rule is when the judge rules to seal a conviction. This is also known as expungement, which occurs if and only if the legislature allows this to be done for that particular crime.

Details about Criminal Records

Criminal records are kept on databases for the FBI and state criminal records, though these cannot be accessed by any civilian. The only people who can view these records are government personnel, such as police, prosecutors, and other law enforcement. Criminal convictions can also be viewed by certain employers. In background checks, employers can request to see if you have ever been convicted of a crime, especially depending on the nature of the job. For example, for those with a DUI conviction, applying to a driving job may be difficult as this information will be available to the employer.

Additionally, many people’s information is also available on the Internet. In fact, there are conviction databases available online, generally assembled by private, for-profit companies.

Contact Our Boston Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Brad Bailey Law is led by an experienced and skilled Boston criminal defense lawyer who understands the gravity of your situation. If you are facing criminal charges, there is nowhere else to turn for a capable legal team you can trust to advocate on your behalf. We will do everything in our power to ensure you and your future are protected.

Interested in speaking to a member of our team? Contact us at your earliest convenience by calling (617) 500-0252.

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