There are now quite a number of websites where you can go to perform a state criminal records search online. Search results usually include convictions, felonies, misdemeanors and arrests. Many of the records include data and information that has been collected from county courts and criminal justice agencies.

After conducting a state criminal records search the data you'll get will normally include:

- The defendants name and address

- Date of Birth, race, gender and SSN

- Charges and sentences

If crimes fall under federal or municipal jurisdiction, you may not be able to get any information on these records using a state criminal records search.

But some online records databases get their data from multiple sources so you have a better chance of finding the information that you're looking for.

If you're considering doing a state criminal records search, you can do it yourself or you can hire a private investigator to do it for you. If you decide to hire a private investigator you can find their address in your local business directory of phone book.

Many people decide to do it themselves by using a searchable public records database online. There are quite a few good services around so you don't have to look too hard. These services are very easy to use and they work just like a search engine. Just enter the name or whatever information you have and you will be able to see if there is any criminal records associated with that name. The other nice thing about online public records databases is that they are cheap to use, most charge a simple one-off payment for unlimited lifetime access with unlimited searches. Compare this with what you'll have to pay a private investigator to do the searching for you.

Searchable public records databases are also very convenient in that you can do your searches from anyway where they is an internet access. You don't have to waste time looking for someone to help you do it and you don't have to waste time waiting for a result. The whole process of searching and getting results can take just a few seconds or minutes.

Click here to see an example of a good criminal records search service online.