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Criminal History: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Meaning
Definition & Meaning
Criminal history refers to the documented record of a person's criminal offenses for which they have been found guilty or liable in a court of law. This record typically includes details about arrests, charges, convictions, and any subsequent legal actions. In many jurisdictions, such as Virginia, criminal history is defined as the collection of identifiable descriptions and notations maintained by criminal justice agencies, encompassing various legal actions like arrests, indictments, and formal charges.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Criminal history is a crucial term in the legal field, particularly in criminal law. It is often used in various contexts, including:
Background checks for employment or housing.
Legal proceedings, such as sentencing or parole decisions.
Determining eligibility for certain licenses or permits.
Users may find it helpful to utilize legal templates from US Legal Forms to manage their own criminal history-related matters, such as expungement requests or applications for sealing records.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person applying for a job may be required to disclose their criminal history, which could include a past conviction for theft. This information can affect their employment eligibility.
Example 2: A defendant in a criminal trial may have their criminal history presented to the court to influence sentencing decisions. (hypothetical example)
State-by-state differences
State
Definition of Criminal History
Virginia
Includes records of arrests, charges, and convictions maintained by criminal justice agencies.
California
Refers to a person's criminal record, including arrests and convictions, maintained by the Department of Justice.
Texas
Consists of information about arrests, charges, and outcomes, available through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Criminal Record
A formal record of a person's criminal history, including arrests and convictions.
Background Check
An investigation into a person's history, often including criminal history, for employment or other purposes.
Expungement
The legal process of sealing or erasing a person's criminal record from public view.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you have a criminal history that may affect your life, consider the following steps:
Obtain a copy of your criminal record to understand what is on file.
Consult with a legal professional if you need guidance on expungement or sealing your record.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in managing your criminal history-related matters.
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