What Can Be Reported In A Background Investigation?

The FCRA, a federal law that regulates background investigations, states that a conviction can be reported regardless of how long ago the incident occurred. An arrest that did not result in a conviction can only be reported if it occurred within the past seven years. Examples of arrests that did not result in a conviction include charges were dropped, defendant found not guilty, defendant successfully completed pre-trial intervention or a conditional discharge, a deferred adjudication or similar circumstances. If you have a record, it is in your best interest to contact the court to determine a final disposition and to seek expungement of the record. Generally speaking, the court will provide the documents you need to apply for an expungement of a record.

The FCRA does not limit what a background investigation company can report regarding employment and education verification. Background check vendors will not report information relating to adverse health, m marital status, gender, country of natural origin or religious affiliation if developed during research.