A "real" background check is a diligent search through someone's documented past. A past that can be verified by credible sources. This could mean criminal convictions, civil lawsuits, federal bankruptcy and more. For the most part, people usually want to know if someone has a criminal record.

The reason people associate the term background check with "criminal check" is due to safety reasons. As humans we naturally prefer a safe environment over one that is threatened. So we gravitate to check an individual's criminal past first and foremost to see if they may pose a threat us.

FACT: A criminal background check is the most requested "information check" a private investigator performs for the general public. A close second would be performing a "locate" or "skip-trace". This is an attempt to find an individual's current location or whereabouts. This is usually a person who owes something, or is hiding from someone and doesn't want to be found.

Background Checks Are Smart For These Situations

#1. Starting A New Relationship

If this certain somebody is a love interest it means they are important enough in your life for you to be intimate with. When you are intimate with someone, you have a high degree of trust established. A criminal and family law background inquiry should be performed at the very least. The criminal background should be checked against any place the person has lived in the past 10 years. The most accurate records are kept at the county level. Criminal records can reveal domestic violence, assault & battery, firearms violations, restraining order violations, stalking charges, child abuse, check fraud, DUI convictions, and the list goes on. Knowing someone's past can help in predicting someone's future. The background check is basically the financial equivalent of a credit check.

#2. Hiring A New Employee

There is nothing more aggravating than having someone you trust steal from you. Employee theft and fraud is big in every state. More and more employers cut corners when it comes to background checks on future employees. This can be  a costly mistake. Just the mere fact of having an applicant fill out a "background authorization" may discourage a person with a criminal past to "move on" to a more negligent employer. Certain state laws restrict how far back an employer can dig  into a potential employee's criminal past. California is 7 years for a non-government position or a position without a security clearance. California is also one of the more forgiving states when comes to marijuana convictions.

#3. Going Into Business With Someone

We call this a "due diligence" background check. Deciding to go into business with someone should not be taken lightly. That person may have quite a past. They may have a past of not paying their debt,  have a history of filing multiple lawsuits, consumer fraud, bankruptcy, previous workplace harassment,  etc. When I say due diligence, it means a very exhaustive search of the individual's personal and professional background. A check of business licenses, business credit, personal credit, civil lawsuits, small claims lawsuits, out of state records, and SEC records. Remember, this person will be making some serious decisions for the business. Making the decision sooner than later to check out a new business partner is well worth the effort.

#4. A Potential Tenant or Roommate

Tenant: Many landlords know that conducting a credit check, criminal and civil records check on a new tenant can be a real lifesaver. You may have noticed I included the term "civil records check". A quick civil records check with the Orange County Superior Court and the previous counties the tenant had lived in will reveal any unlawful detainers (evictions). It will also reveal any small claims lawsuits. Generally speaking, someone who files numerous lawsuits has a need to get even. If they had problems with someone else, they may soon have problems with you. Conducting this type of check can keep you out of unnecessary court appearances to say the least. Read here about a recent article about a "Real Orange County Housewife" and her history of  unlawful detainers.

Roommate: As far as roommates, do this: Check to see if they are currently on parole or probation. Probationers and parolees often have what's called a "conditional release", which may include giving up their search & seizure rights. Police may search the  living premises at anytime, including the property of the person they are living with. You may also want to check for outstanding warrants. If you don't, you might be replacing your front door sooner than you think.

FAQ: How much does a background check cost?

The basic "3 county" criminal background check shouldn't cost you more than $100.00. A more in-depth background check for criminal records, marriage records, divorce records and civil records will cost more. Most private investigators will charge an hourly rate plus mileage and a "copying fee" when it comes to researching court records at the county courthouse.  I have promoted my company's background service as a "real" background check service because clients get a real investigator checking records. We also check most of our records at the county level which is the most accurate. I don't recommend going with a nationwide criminal check company, especially the ones that offer checks around $12.95. This data is purely archived information that is by no means double checked for accuracy. Having a trusted background check company or private investigator checking the background of an individual is highly recommended.