What Types of Background Checks Are There? Understanding What Might Show Up

At Texas Defenders, we often get questions from clients asking if an arrest, pending charge, or bail bond will appear on their criminal record during a background check. The answer? It depends on the type of search being conducted.

Let's walk through the different types of background checks and explain what might (and might not) show up.

1. Arrest Search / Jail Records Search

An arrest search focuses specifically on whether a person has been arrested, regardless of whether they were later convicted.

• Will pending charges show up? Yes.

• Will charges that were dismissed later show up? Yes, unless they have been expunged.

• Will it show if you are out on bail? Yes.

Example: If someone searches local jail records or runs a police database check, it will likely show any active or past arrests — even if the case is still pending or you haven't been convicted.

2. Conviction Search

A conviction search looks only for cases where there was a final conviction — meaning you were found guilty or pleaded guilty and received a sentence.

• Will pending cases show up? No.

• Will arrests without convictions show up? No.

• Will deferred adjudication show up? Sometimes — it depends on whether it has been sealed with a nondisclosure order.

Most employment background checks and housing background checks are conviction searches. Employers often want to know if someone was convicted of a crime — not simply arrested.

3. Comprehensive Criminal History Search (All Records)

Some agencies, like federal government employers or certain high-security jobs, run a comprehensive search. This can include:

• Arrests

• Charges (pending or dismissed)

• Convictions

• Probation records

• Jail/prison time

• Even some sealed records (depending on the level of clearance required)

Important:
If your record has been expunged in Texas, it is legally erased and should not appear even on these deep background searches.

4. Credit and Civil Background Checks

Sometimes background checks also include non-criminal information like:

• Credit reports

• Civil lawsuits

• Evictions

• Bankruptcies

These types of searches won't usually show arrests or criminal charges unless the case involved a lawsuit or debt issue tied to the criminal matter.

Why It Matters Which Type of Background Check is Done

When someone asked us, "Should pending charges or arrests appear on my record?" the answer is:

• Yes, if they are doing an arrest search.

• No, if they are only checking convictions.

Most private employers and apartment complexes focus on convictions — meaning a pending charge may not automatically show up unless they dig deeper.

However, certain industries (like healthcare, banking, or law enforcement) often require more detailed searches.

What Can You Do If You're Worried About Your Record?

If you are concerned about what shows up on a background check, contact Texas Defenders.
We can help:

• File for expunctions to erase arrests from your record.

• Pursue nondisclosure orders to seal records from public view.

• Explain your legal options depending on your specific situation.

Call us today at (214) 306-9696 to schedule a consultation.

Quick Summary:

Texas Defenders is here to protect your future. If you have any questions about your criminal record or background checks, don't hesitate to reach out.

✅ Phone: (214) 306-9696
✅ Offices Serving Dallas, Tarrant, Bexas and Collin Counties
✅ Visit Our Blog for more helpful articles about criminal defense: TexasDefenders.com/blog