Let’s start with the basics
What is a civil search?
County or Federal civil searches provide insight into a candidate’s legal history beyond criminal activity. Information may include actions such as restraining orders or breach of contract suits.
Why is understanding your candidate’s civil court record important?
Candidate eligibility and fit
Does your candidate have a civil court record that would make it illegal or risky for them to perform the role? This check can help answer that question.
Organizational risk
Civil searches can help protect your brand’s reputation, and reassure customers and employees of workplace safety.
We’ve got you covered
What kind of candidate court history will appear in a county civil search?
In lower courts you’ll find cases involving:
- Liens
- Foreclosures
- Breach of contract
- Restraining orders
- Civil claims under $5,000
What kind of candidate court history will appear in a federal civil search?
In district courts you’ll find cases involving:
- Tax claims
- Civil rights issues
- Federal code violations
- Interstate disputes or violations
- Local or federal government
What civil searches does Checkr offer?
Checkr’s AI-powered platform allows you to search millions of records with ease. Understand the full picture when it comes to your candidate with civil searches which provide insight into past and ongoing legal actions. Civil actions vary widely in their scope—from discrimination to personal injury—and may be pertinent to the hiring process for certain roles.
County Civil Records Check
A county civil search goes back seven years and determines if a candidate is named in any lawsuits, either as a plaintiff or as a defendant.
Federal Civil Records Check
A federal civil search surfaces court records involving your candidate from the federal courts from the last 7-20 years.
What to keep in mind when performing civil searches
Checkr’s platform promotes fair and compliant practices with a suite of tools and technology. We are also your partner in education. When it comes to civil searches, here are the primary laws and best-practices to consider.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
To build a compliant background check process, you must understand the FCRA and regional and local requirements around denying a candidate employment based on a civil record.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The EEOC helps ensure that candidates are being treated fairly in the hiring process, and provides a framework for individualized assessments of pre-employment background checks.
Customer Story
How one staffing firm achieved high velocity hiring with minimal overhead
See how Checkr’s full system integration optimized efficiencies and ensured compliance for TalentBurst.
