Adult criminal convictions are generally a matter of public record. Once charges have been filed, an official record exists within the court system, and that record doesn't simply disappear if charges are dismissed or the defendant is acquitted at trial. Depending on state laws and the reporting procedures of local prosecutors, charges that did not result in conviction may appear in the national database as well.
The federal government compiles criminal history information to make it available to various state and local law enforcement agencies. This information may be used by law enforcement agencies to:
The database system also assists in the enforcement of certain statutory restrictions such as the eligibility to purchase a handgun.
Outside of law enforcement matters, the most common use of criminal history information is in determining eligibility for employment or for certain educational programs. Sometimes a prospective employer or a school will require an applicant to supply a copy of his criminal history as a part of the application process. In other cases, an employer will ask for authorization from an applicant to conduct a criminal background check and a credit check.
Many states have agencies that will provide you with a copy of your criminal record for a small fee. If there are criminal charges on your record that were later dismissed, a criminal defense lawyer may be able to get them expunged. If your criminal history is limiting your employment and/or educational options, you may be able to have certain charges and/or convictions removed from your record.