Written by Background Check Repair
Criminal Records | April 29, 2024
Table of Contents
While most individuals will be familiar with a RAP (record of arrest and prosecutions) sheet, they might not know what kind of information it contains, and may be wondering if there is a difference between a criminal charge that goes on a sheet and one that does not.
All 30 rap sheet crimes are charges that many people will be familiar with and understanding the kind of information that appears on a RAP sheet will help individuals better prepare for background checks.
Essentially, a person’s RAP sheet contains more than just these 30 crimes, because legal codes contain thousands of criminal violations. These, however, are the most common and depending on when they were incurred, they may not show up on most employment background checks.
It’s crucial to run a background check on yourself first to ensure that your record is clean and that the criminal charge that goes on a sheet (RAP) can be removed.
Many people wondering if there is a certain kind of criminal charge that goes on a sheet may be under the impression that only certain crimes or certain levels of crime appear on a sheet. However, any and all official criminal history information will be present on a RAP sheet.
The difference between a RAP sheet and a criminal history report is a common source for confusion. However these terms are used interchangeably and refer to the same information. A RAP sheet (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions) will have the same exact information as a typical criminal history check.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation provides resources for anyone to check their RAP sheet, or obtain proof that there is none (i.e. your record is clean).
Arrests, charges, and convictions will appear on a RAP sheet, many individuals may be under the impression that only conviction information will appear on a RAP sheet, however, this is not the case. A RAP sheet will include any criminal information available, including charges that never resulted in convictions.
As mentioned, both misdemeanors and felony charges will appear on a RAP sheet. Below are the most common RAP sheet crimes.
| Felonies | Misdemeanors |
| Drug Offenses | Drug Offenses |
| Aggravated Assault | DUI |
| Fraud | Theft |
| Domestic Violence | Assault or Battery |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | Trespassing |
| Robbery | Vandalism |
| DUI | Sex Crimes (Such as Prostitution) |
| Theft | Resisting Arrest |
| Supplying Alcohol to Minors | Stalking |
| Arson | Public Intoxication |
| Weapons Related Crimes | Indecent Exposure |
| Forgery | Disorderly Conduct |
| Identity Theft | Criminal Mischief |
| Counterfeiting | Violation of a Non-Contact Order |
| Mail Fraud | Domestic Assault |
There are numerous options to perform a RAP sheet lookup on yourself or on another individual. One of the easiest and quickest ways to do this is to use the free public records search at the top of this page. There are also plenty of options to perform a complete background check using an online background check service.
Besides methods that involve private background check providers, there are also various official methods available to find someone’s criminal history information. If the court where the individual was charged with a crime is known, individuals can simply make records requests using the individual’s name with the court clerk.
There is also the option to request a background check on yourself through the state police, this will be one of the most thorough options available and will require a fee to complete. Finally, there is the option to perform a federal background check, which will be the most thorough and expensive option. This can be done through the FBI and is known as an Identity History Summary Check.1
Keep in mind that both state and federal background checks can only be performed on the individual making the request and can not be performed on another individual. Individuals who are looking to get a RAP sheet on someone other than themselves should use a private background check service.
Obtaining a criminal RAP sheet for free can be difficult as the database that the information is held in usually requires a fee to obtain copies of the information. One of the most reliable options besides the search bar at the top is to find an online background check service that offers a free trial.
Individuals wondering how to check my criminal record have several options available. The most reliable and thorough option to check your own criminal record is to request an Identity History Summary check through the FBI. This is a fingerprint-based check and will likely be the most complete check available but does carry a fee.
The FBI’s identity history summary request forms also come with a checklist to ensure that all the information is provided correctly, which prevents wasted time or inconclusive results.
State and local police background check options are also available, but individuals who have been charged with a crime in another county or state should ensure that more than just local criminal history information will be available should they go with one of these options.
Individuals who have only been charged with crimes from a specific court can request their records from the court directly. This will be the most cost-efficient option to obtain official criminal history information. Individuals will have several options to obtain information directly from the courts.
Most criminal courts have an online court docket system that can be used to search and request court documents that match a specific name. Although online court searches are becoming more common, not every court will have digitized records that can be searched. If this is the case, individuals should contact their county court clerk directly to find out the best way to make a records request.
In many cases, the court clerk will be able to make the request over the phone, provided they have the proper information available. Other times it may be best to make a record request in person. Regardless of the method, there will likely be a small fee associated with each copy requested.
Many individuals will be familiar with an FBI RAP sheet but may not know the difference between this and a standard background check. An FBI RAP sheet is a document containing individual criminal history information that is given to the individual after an Identity History summary check has been completed.
Unlike a private background check service, the FBI does not need to abide by state background check laws and therefore will include information that would otherwise be sealed under state law. This is an especially important difference for individuals who live in states with the 7-year-rule or other laws that seal certain criminal history information or criminal history information that is older than 7-10 years old.
An FBI RAP sheet is obtained using the individual’s fingerprints, rather than the name-based search that is used by private background check companies. This results in a far more thorough check but consequently has a slightly higher cost, takes longer to complete, and requires the individuals to submit a fingerprint card.
Many individuals wanting an official RAP sheet will be wondering: How do I get a copy of my FBI background check? The process to do so is extremely simple and the FBI has detailed steps outlined on its website.1
Basically, individuals will need to fill out a form that can be completed online, then individuals will need to get fingerprinted, and finally provide payment and mailing information. Once submitted the request should be completed in less than two weeks.
Even individuals that understand the criminal charge that goes on a sheet, once receiving their RAP sheet from the FBI, many individuals will not know how to read the FBI RAP sheet. Understanding the different components of the sheet can be difficult and is covered in great detail on the website of the U.S. justice department.2
The criminal history report generated by the IHS will list crimes, fingerprint information, and the dates of the offense, as well as other identifying characteristics.
The RAP sheet will be broken down by jurisdiction with federal crimes covered first followed by crimes charges at the state level. The report will contain information on any charges, court dates, and final dispositions as well as basic descriptive information on the individual.
The various terms that are used on a RAP sheet are another common source of confusion. Some of the most common RAP sheet abbreviations are discussed below.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| CPCS | Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance |
| DCI | Driving Car Intoxicated |
| A&B | Assault and Battery |
| ATT RA | Attempted Robbery Armed |
| DISCH FIREARMS | Discharging firearms |
Individuals with the question: How do I know if I’ve been implicated in a crime? will have a few options available. Although individuals should be notified by mail or in person in regard to any criminal charges being filed, it is also possible to learn about criminal charges by performing a background check on yourself. This can quickly be done using the search bar at the top of this page or using any of the methods listed above.
The confusing legal process will leave many people wondering how can I ascertain if charges have been initiated against me. If charges have been officially filed there will be court documents relating to these charges. Individuals can access any of these documents through the court where it was filed or by performing a background check on themselves.
Use the list below to find out how to request a background check with the state police.
Although individuals are generally notified when charges are filed, some people may be unsure if there are charges against them and may have questions like “Can charges be brought against someone without their knowledge?”. Although rare, it is possible to have charges filed without knowing.
Generally, this method will be used if the accused is potentially dangerous or a flight risk. In this case, law enforcement will issue a warrant for the individual arrest and they will be notified of the charges upon arrest.
Not knowing what happens when someone accuses you formally of wrongdoing is a source of confusion for many individuals. Generally when a prosecutor files charges, one of two things will happen. If the crime is serious a warrant will be issued for the individual arrest and they can either turn themselves in to law enforcement or law enforcement will try to find the individual and arrest them.
For less serious crimes the individual will receive a criminal summons either in the mail or in person.
Many people’s biggest concern when facing low-level criminal charges is how it will affect their background check and will want to know will dismissed charges be on their criminal record. Technically a criminal record only refers to crimes that resulted in a conviction. So dismissed charges mean the individual’s criminal record will remain clean.
One of the worst things a person can go through is being charged. Determining how to seek dismissal of charges before trial is important and necessary.
In Oregon, the open records platform allows residents to obtain their RAP sheet for state crimes.
Getting charges dropped is often the best possible outcome and many people will be wondering how to get charges dropped before the court date. Getting charges dropped can be difficult and in most cases will require an attorney to argue before a judge that the charges should be dropped. Whether or not this request is granted will depend on the reason that the case should be dropped such as lack of evidence or procedural issues with the arrest.
It’s a common misconception that charges can only be dropped early on in criminal proceedings, leading many people to ask: Is it possible to dismiss charges during arraignment? Charges can be dropped at any time during the criminal proceedings including before, during, and after the arraignment hearing.
Sometimes individuals will be facing charges while looking for a job and will have questions such as: Can pending charges be seen in background checks? Pending charges dropped charges, and charges that resulted in convictions will be present on most background checks, including those for employment.
While awaiting charges, many people will start to wonder: How much time do the police have to accuse you formally? How long law enforcement has to file charges will depend on the statute of limitations for the crime that was committed. This will depend on state law but generally, the more serious the crime, the longer the statute of limitations.
Many people who are about to undergo a background check may be unfamiliar with what kind of information will be present. Knowing the different types of criminal charge that goes on a sheet will allow individuals to know what to expect when they receive the results.
Individuals can get a copy of their criminal record online using the FBI’s identity History summary check or any online background check service.
A sealed FC in court will normally refer to a sealed felony conviction.
The criminal charge abbreviations used by the SBI will vary based on the state. Each state should have a guide for what each abbreviation means.
After submitting an FBI identity history summary check, individuals will receive the results of the check within two weeks in most cases.
It’s good to interact with other people. As a result, learning about the methods for obtaining someone’s criminal background can be quite helpful in deciding whether it’s worthwhile to have that connection. Individuals can look up charges on another individual by performing a background check using a private background check company.
If you’ve been accused of a crime, you probably have a number of questions, one of which is “Can indictment lead to charge dismissal?” Charges can be dropped at any time during criminal proceedings.
A criminal charge that goes on a sheet is any crime that resulted in criminal charges being officially filed. Even if the charges never resulted in a conviction or if the charges were later dropped, this information will still be present on a RAP sheet.
1Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2016, May 3). Identity History Summary Checks (Rap Sheets). FBI. Retrieved October 6, 2022, from <https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks>
2U.S. Department of Justice. (2021, January). Job Aid | How to Read an Identity History Summary (IdHS). Justice. Retrieved October 6, 2022, from <https://www.justice.gov/tribal/page/file/1354861/download>
3Caregiver Background Check – Background Check Process. California Department of Social Services. Retrieved October 29, 2022, from <https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care/caregiver-background-check/background-check-process>
4Criminal record checks. Mass.gov. Retrieved October 29, 2022, from <https://www.mass.gov/service-details/criminal-record-checks>
5Fingerprinting and Background Checks – NM Department of Public Safety. New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Retrieved October 29, 2022, from <https://www.dps.nm.gov/law-enforcement-records-bureau/fingerprinting-and-background-checks/>
6South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Retrieved October 29, 2022, from <https://catch.sled.sc.gov/>
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