How to Research Old Crimes? What You Need To Know

Many people want to know how to research old crimes for reasons such as family history, journalism, legal reviews, or background checks. The process involves finding the right court or agency that holds the records, gathering the necessary details, and understanding the steps for requesting access. This guide will explain where these records are kept, what information you need, and how to request them effectively.

Old criminal records may be stored at federal, state, or local levels, depending on where the case was handled. They can be found in active court files, transferred to a federal records center, or maintained in other official archives. With the right approach, it’s possible to locate accurate records quickly and efficiently.

What Counts as an “Old Crime”

An “old crime” generally refers to an offense that was charged or prosecuted many years ago. Once a case is resolved and no longer in active use, the court typically moves the file to off-site storage. These records are preserved for reference, research, or legal purposes.

For federal cases, older files often end up at the National Archives. State or county case files may be sent to regional archives or remain with the local clerk. Retention rules vary by jurisdiction, which determines where the records are kept.

Why Criminal Records Matter

Criminal record research can confirm details such as arrests, convictions, docket information, and sentencing outcomes. It can also show whether a person was convicted, acquitted, or had charges dismissed. This information is often essential for accurate legal or historical records.

You might need these details for a personal background check, a risk review on a potential business partner, or genealogy work. Verified records help ensure decisions are based on accurate facts. They also provide valuable context for understanding a person’s legal history.

Determine the Jurisdiction and Record Type

Before you start, determine:

• Level: Federal court, state court, or local/municipal court
• Record type: criminal case files, docket sheets, charging documents, sentencing orders, jail/prison log, or report
• Where it likely lives: active court, federal records center, county archive, or the National Archives
• Key identifiers: full name, date of birth, district, approximate case date or case number

Use the National Archives for Historical Federal Records

The National Archives holds more than two centuries of federal court records, including criminal case files, dockets, indexes, and minute books from U.S. District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and older circuit courts. According to the National Archives, federal court records less than 15 years old are generally still in the possession of the individual courts and are not held by the Archives. To obtain access to these records, researchers must contact the appropriate federal court directly.

Federal case files may include indictments, docket details, judgments, sentencing orders, commitment papers, exhibits, trial notes, and administrative forms. Copy fees vary by facility and format, with per-page costs and shipping charges for mail orders. Always check the facility’s website for current rates and request procedures before ordering.

PACER for Federal Court Dockets and Documents

PACER can show whether a person was charged and prosecuted in federal court, along with docket details such as the filing date, district, judge, and case outcome. It may also provide links to documents like complaints, orders, and judgments when available.

However, most cases filed before 1999 exist only on paper and may not have full images online. Some records are sealed or restricted, so if docket entries appear without document images, you’ll need to contact the court clerk or the relevant federal records center.

State and Local Sources for a Person’s Criminal History

Old criminal records outside federal court are usually kept by state or county agencies. You can search online through state judiciary databases, Department of Corrections inmate search tools, sex offender registries, and public safety criminal history systems, though some may charge fees. For older files, you may need to visit the county courthouse and work with the clerk to access microfilm or paper indexes.

When researching in person or online, bring the person’s full name and any aliases, birth date, approximate arrest or filing date, and location details such as county and state. If available, having the case number can speed up the search and ensure you locate the correct record.

Legal and Ethical Use

If you will use criminal records in a formal background check on applicants, follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act and any state laws. Points to keep in mind:

• Give the person a copy of the report and a chance to dispute errors when using a third-party screening vendor.
• Use job-related criteria, be consistent, and follow any local publicly posted rules on what you can use.
• Pay attention to the class and level of offense.
• Some states limit the use of older convictions or arrests with no convictions.

How to Research Old Crimes Checklist

Use this checklist when you plan how to research old crimes from start to finish.

1. Define the goal, what details you need, and why.
2. Pick the level: federal court vs. state/local court.
3. Gather identifiers: name, birth date, date window, location, case number if known.
4. Search PACER for federal court records; check the National Archives for older case files.
5. For state/local records, check judiciary databases, corrections, and sex offender portals.
6. If the indexes show a hit, contact the clerk or the archivist to confirm where the file is.
7. Budget fees and costs for copies or retrieval.
8. Add newspapers and library archives to fill gaps.
9. Cross-check facts and match the right person.
10. If the purpose is a background check, follow federal and state rules.

At this point, if you still ask how to research old crimes, re-run the steps with tighter date ranges and more precise locations.

Data You May See in Old Case Files

Old case files may contain charging documents such as indictments or informations, along with arrest reports and probable cause statements. They often include docket information with filing dates, motions, and judgment or sentencing pages.

You might also find booking log entries, appeal notices, and commitment or release records. These details can provide a full picture of the case’s progression and outcome.

Benefits of Researching Old Crimes for Employment

Researching old crimes can help employers make informed hiring decisions by providing insight into a person’s criminal history. Understanding past convictions, arrests, or legal issues allows businesses to assess whether a candidate meets company standards and complies with industry regulations. This is especially important for positions involving sensitive data, financial responsibility, or direct contact with vulnerable populations.

Using accurate and verified court records reduces the risk of relying on incomplete or misleading information. It also supports compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state laws, ensuring that background checks are conducted fairly and legally. By reviewing old criminal records, employers can maintain workplace safety, protect company assets, and build trust with clients and stakeholders.

Conclusion

Researching old crimes involves knowing where to look, gathering the right details, and following the correct process for each type of court record. Whether you are searching federal court records through PACER, reviewing archived case files at the National Archives, or working with local courthouses and state databases, success depends on matching your information with the right repository. Planning your search, budgeting for possible fees, and understanding access rules will help you locate accurate and complete records. This approach not only saves time but also ensures the information you find is reliable and relevant to your needs.

For professional assistance with locating and obtaining criminal records, Sapphire Check can help you through each step of the process. We provide guidance on accessing federal, state, and local records efficiently and in compliance with applicable laws. Contact us to discuss your research needs.

FAQs

How do I access old federal criminal records?

You can access old federal criminal records through PACER for court dockets and documents or by using the National Archives Catalog to find file locations older than 15 years. Once located, you may request digital copies or schedule an in-person visit at the holding facility.

What is the cost to use PACER for federal court record access?

Accessing documents on PACER costs approximately $0.10 per page, with a cap of $3.00 per document. Quarterly usage fees under $30 are typically waived.

Can I request criminal history from the FBI?

Yes. You can request an FBI Identity History Summary Check (RAP sheet) by submitting fingerprints and paying a fee. The standard cost is $18, whether requested electronically or by mail.

Where are old federal case files stored after they are no longer active?

Older federal case files are stored at regional National Archives facilities, based on the court’s location or jurisdiction. You can search for these records using the National Archives Catalog.

How can I access state criminal history records?

State criminal history records are typically available online through Department of Public Safety databases or at local courthouses. For certain states, you must submit a request form and pay a fee; results may include convictions, arrest records, and sometimes non-convictions.