What happens when a criminal record is found in your search
We've upgraded our National Criminal Search to include courthouse-level verification. Here's exactly what that means for your reports, your workflow, and your costs — no surprises.
A database match isn't the same as a verified record
National criminal database searches — like the MultiCRIM search included in every CHCKED package — pull from thousands of data sources across the country. When the system finds a possible match, that result is called a pointer record: a signal that a record may exist, not a confirmed fact.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), background check companies are required to verify pointer records at the county courthouse before including them in a report. Reporting unverified database matches as fact is a federal compliance violation.
Previously, CHCKED absorbed the cost of this verification behind the scenes. We're now surfacing this step transparently — so you know exactly what's happening, why it costs what it costs, and what your options are:
- Pay per county verification (service + county fees*)
- Upgrade to a package that includes all service costs (you still pay the county fees*)
*County fees are set by each county and passed through to you at cost — we don't mark them up.
From database search to verified report
Your search runs
You order a background check. Our system searches a nationwide criminal database across thousands of sources simultaneously.
We check for possible matches
If the search finds no possible records, your report is returned immediately — complete, no additional steps required.
Possible matches trigger verification
If the search finds a possible record, our system automatically identifies which county courthouse holds the original record. This happens in the background before you ever see the result.
You're shown the verification prompt
When you open the report, you'll see a clear summary of the possible match and which county it traces to. You'll have two options: authorize courthouse verification, or skip it.
Courthouse verification runs
If you authorize, our team pulls the original record from the courthouse and confirms whether it belongs to your applicant. You pay the verification fee at this step.
Your report is finalized
The record is either confirmed and included in your report, or ruled out and excluded. Your report is marked complete.
The verification prompt, explained
When a possible record is found, your report will display a verification banner rather than showing the record itself. This is intentional — FCRA requires that unverified data not be shown to the end user as a result.
You will see:
- The state and county where the possible record was found
- The verification fee for that county
- Two options: Order Verification or Skip
You will not see case numbers, offense details, or any record information until courthouse verification is complete. This protects you from acting on unverified data.
"Our national database search identified a possible record. To include or exclude this record from your report, courthouse verification is required by law. Select the counties below to begin verification."
Cook County, Illinois
Pointer Match Traced to Central JurisdictionCase details, dates, and severity codes are hidden until authorized.
You're always in control
Skipping verification means no criminal record information for that jurisdiction will be confirmed or excluded from your report. The report will clearly state that this county was not verified.
What you're paying for, and why
Courthouse verification involves two distinct fees. We show both separately so you always know exactly where your money is going.
CHCKED Service Fee — $12.00 per county
This covers the cost of our team submitting, tracking, and processing the courthouse verification on your behalf.
Court Access Fee — varies by county
This fee is charged directly by the county courthouse — not by CHCKED. It is passed through to you at cost with zero markup. Most counties charge between $0–$25. CHCKED has no control over these fees and does not profit from them.
If you're on the Basic+ package:
Basic+ subscribers have the $12.00 CHCKED service fee covered. You are only responsible for the court access pass-through fee charged by the jurisdiction.
| Line Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| County Verification — Cook County, IL | $12.00 |
| Basic+ Package Discount | −$12.00 |
| Court Access Fee — Cook County, IL | $9.00 |
| Total Cost | $9.00 |
Sex Offender Registry matches work differently
If a National Criminal Search returns a possible match on a Sex Offender Registry (SOR), the verification process is handled differently than a standard county criminal record.
Sex Offender Registries are maintained at the state level — not the county level. If a possible SOR match is found, our system automatically escalates to a statewide search rather than a county courthouse search.
Key differences:
- Flat $12.00 service fee: Covered in full by Basic+ subscribers.
- No court access pass-through fee applies: Since registries are state databases, there are no additional local county fees.
- No county needs to be identified: The state registry is searched directly, accelerating speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our system uses a four-step automated process to identify the county from the record metadata. In rare cases where this fails, our support team steps in manually and resolves the county within 2–4 business hours. You'll be notified and the verification prompt will appear automatically once the county is identified.
No. When multiple counties are flagged, verification is all-or-nothing. You can either authorize verification for all flagged counties or skip verification entirely. This ensures the report reflects a complete and consistent picture.
An Incomplete Report means courthouse verification was not completed for one or more jurisdictions. The report clearly states which counties were not verified. No criminal record information for those counties is confirmed or excluded. You can return to the report at any time to complete verification.
Turnaround time varies by county. Most verifications are returned within 1–3 business days. Some jurisdictions take longer due to courthouse processing times outside our control. You'll receive a notification when your report is updated.
Basic+ subscribers have the $12.00 CHCKED service fee covered for all county verifications. You are only responsible for the court access pass-through fee charged directly by the courthouse jurisdiction, which varies by location.
If the national criminal search returns no possible matches, your report is completed immediately with no verification step and no additional fees.