There are certainly a number of ways to quickly conduct criminal records searches in almost all areas of the United States. For a statewide criminal records check, many investigators turn to the state Criminal Records Repository. You will find that many states provide easy and quick access. However, a few states do not provide access except to law enforcement agencies. Moreover, some state criminal records repository services either require a signed release (usually on their own form and requiring notarization) or are too slow on turn around time. When you have these problems, there is very good news because you can almost always use an alternative source of information from the state corrections department. Most states will release information on current and past inmates that give you access to the same information from the state criminal records repository. It's also worth noting that many states permit access to sexual offender databases. You will also find access to some county criminal court records with this material.

This material is organized by state, then includes the following sections on each state for accessing criminal records:

Statewide Criminal Records Repositories
Statewide Incarnation Records (Past And Present)
Sex Offender Database Records
Local County Court Records Contacts

We have attempted to include the current address, telephone numbers, fax numbers and web sites for each source. On the local county court records contacts, you'll find a phone number for every county courthouse in every state you can call. You can even set up your computer to make the toll call for free if you read the report included with this material. In some cases, these are general numbers and you'll need to go through a switchboard operator to get to the right number. In that case, simply ask for criminal or civil records clerk office for records checks.

The best way to approach sources for telephone information is to explain to them you are working for an attorney out of their area and need the information for a case that is going before a judge in the morning. Who's going to refuse such as request even if their policy is to collect a few bucks up front.

This material gives you instant access to doing criminal records searches either online, by phone or through the mail quickly and easily.

Ralph Thomas