How the Multi-State Instant search is performed.

This report is compiled from a search of the nation's largest criminal database containing approximately 200 Million records from jurisdictions within 34 states around the nation. It includes a search of the Multi-State Sex and Violent Offender Registry. The search is performed by last name, first name, and an exact match on date-of-birth when date-of-birth is found in the data. If the last name contains a hyphen or a space, (for example Sanchez-Gonzalez or Sanchez Gonzalez)the name is searched under Sanchez, Gonzalez, SanchezGonzalez, GonzalezSanchez, Sanchez-Gonzalez, Gonzalez-Sanchez, Sanchez Gonzalez and Gonzalez Sanchez.

The Multi-State Sex and Violent Offender registry is searched by last name and first name only, and is likely to produce information on subjects other than yours, especially when your subject has a common name. If a response from the Sexual and Violent Offender Registry is received, it may contain a web address with a photo of the actual offender, making it easy to determine if this is your subject.

The search method is likely to produce hits in the database that do not apply to your subject, but will maximize the likelihood of finding an unreported conviction on your subject. Remember that this database search is properly used as a starting-point for determining whether your subject has a conviction. It is your responsibility to determine whether information returned actually applies to your subject. We recommend an in-person search of court records using our Criminal Search by County for the jurisdiction where the reported conviction occurred. You may also contact the arresting agency directly for additional information.