Finding out how far back background checks go in North Carolina isn't a simple yes or no answer. The depth of a background check depends heavily on the type of background check being conducted and who is conducting it. Let's break it down:
Types of Background Checks and Their Reach
North Carolina, like other states, employs various background check procedures, each with its own scope and limitations. These include:
1. Employment Background Checks
These are typically conducted by employers to screen potential candidates. The extent of these checks varies widely. Some employers may only look at the past seven years, while others might delve deeper, potentially reviewing a candidate's history for up to 10 years or even longer, depending on the position's sensitivity and the employer's policies. Factors like the nature of the job (e.g., working with children, handling finances) will heavily influence how far back the employer investigates. Criminal records are a primary focus here.
2. Tenant Background Checks
Landlords use background checks to assess a prospective tenant's reliability. These generally cover a shorter timeframe, often 7 years, focusing primarily on rental history, credit reports, and criminal records. However, some landlords may choose to look further back depending on their specific criteria and risk assessment.
3. Licensing and Professional Background Checks
For professional licenses (e.g., teaching, nursing, law), background checks are comprehensive and can go back much further than employment checks. These often involve state and federal agencies and may encompass a review of an applicant's entire history, looking for any relevant criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, or civil judgments. The specific timeframe is determined by the licensing board and the nature of the profession.
4. Criminal Background Checks
Accessing criminal records in North Carolina involves navigating state and federal databases. While there isn't a universal cutoff date for how far back records are retained, many serious felony convictions remain accessible indefinitely. Misdemeanors and lesser offenses might be purged or sealed after a certain period, often dictated by state law, but this varies.
Factors Affecting the Depth of a Background Check
Several factors beyond the type of check influence how far back an investigation goes:
- The requesting entity: Government agencies often have broader access to records than private employers.
- The nature of the inquiry: A background check for a sensitive position will be more thorough than one for a low-risk job.
- State and federal laws: Laws regarding record retention and expungement vary.
- Data availability: Not all records are digitally accessible, making deeper investigations more time-consuming and potentially incomplete.
Finding Specific Information
To understand the precise scope of a background check in your specific situation, you should:
- Consult the entity conducting the check: Directly ask the employer, landlord, or licensing board about their policies.
- Review relevant state laws: Research North Carolina's statutes concerning background checks and record expungement.
In summary: There's no single answer to how far back background checks go in North Carolina. The timeframe varies considerably depending on the context and the information being sought. Always clarify the scope of the check with the requesting party.
