County Civil Records Search

While criminal records searches uncover violations of state or local laws, a County Civil Records search is designed to identify non-criminal legal disputes. This search determines if a candidate is currently named, or has been named in the past, in county-level lawsuits as either a plaintiff or a defendant.

What Does the Search Cover?

Civil cases involve disputes between individuals, corporations, or local entities. Most states divide their county civil courts into two categories based on the monetary amount of the claim: lower courts (such as small claims or limited jurisdiction courts) and upper courts (which handle larger, unlimited claims). Clients have the flexibility to search exclusively in upper courts or to include both lower and upper courts for a more comprehensive view.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), civil lawsuits and judgments are reportable for seven years from their file date. Cases typically uncovered in this search include:

• Judgments for nonpayment of goods or severe financial disputes.
• Breaches of contract or broken lease agreements.
• Local civil rights violations or discrimination claims.
• Product liability suits and personal injury claims.

How Does the Search Work?

Our team processes these searches directly through the specified county's civil court system to ensure accuracy.

1. Direct Search: Using the applicant's identifying information, we search the civil court records specifically in their current county of residence, prior counties of residence, or any other county you specify.
2. Data Retrieval: We retrieve the public record data for any non-criminal suits filed by or against the candidate.
3. Record Delivery: If a record is confirmed, the specific details of the lawsuit or civil judgment will be added directly to your Verified First report.

Who Needs This Search?

Because the dissemination of negative information spreads so rapidly through social media, this search is becoming an increasingly common requirement for new hires across the board. However, it is especially critical for:

• Organizations hiring for executive, C-suite, management, or high-level white-collar positions.
• Public-facing roles where a candidate's controversial legal history could cause an immediate PR crisis.
• Companies looking to proactively avoid hiring individuals with a documented propensity for initiating frivolous litigation against employers.

Why Make This Part of Your Screening Process?

• Identify Financial and Professional Risks: A history of major civil judgments for nonpayment of goods, or multiple contract breaches, can serve as a massive warning sign regarding a candidate's professional and financial integrity.
• Mitigate Litigious Behavior: Protect your company by identifying candidates who have a heavily documented history of repeatedly suing previous employers, colleagues, or business partners.
• Protect Your Brand: Uncovering past civil rights judgments or major lawsuits helps protect your organization from potential PR nightmares and ensures your new hires align with your corporate values.

FAQ

Do you offer county civil searches with a 10-year or unlimited scope? By default, our standard civil searches are limited to a 7-year scope. This ensures compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which restricts the reporting of non-criminal adverse information, including civil cases, to 7 years from date of filing.

The information and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only and are based 
on current practice, industry related knowledge and business expertise. The information
provided shall not be construed as legal advice, express or implied. 

If you have any further questions, or need a product enabled on your account, 
please contact Verified First Client Services for assistance.

Call 844-709-2708 or email clientservices@verifiedfirst.com