Information Contained in Felony Records

Felony convictions, whether for a state or federally classified offense, generally carry a minimum sentence of one year in prison in addition to fines and parole requirements. Each state may vary, but these convictions will remain on someone's record for anywhere from 7 to 14 years or more in most cases. Some states may allow an individual to expunge their records at some point and reinstate all of his or her liberties and rights, such as the right to carry a firearm. When searching for your own or someone else's felony records, a wealth of information may be found.

Case Information in Felony Records

When looking through these records, there are several details about the case and charges involved available. Dates of arrest, any warrants served, official charges entered by the prosecutor, conviction date and incarceration information are all included. The judge presiding over the case as well as all attorneys are included in these records, motions, pleas and evidence presentations heard during the trial. After serving any jail sentence imposed, notes are also kept on parole hearings and parole board observations, in addition to probationary information. Keep in mind that a felony charge, arrest and conviction are three different things-any one or all of these may be included in a record.

Personal Information in the Records

These records include physical descriptions and sometimes mugshots of the individual, personal and work addresses, possibly their parents' names and even occupation information. This is most likely kept with the FBI for federal felony cases when someone is on the Most Wanted list or is absconded.

Expunging Felony Records

In order to expunge an individual's felony information, the corresponding jurisdictional authorities and/or court need to be petitioned to do so. These requests are typically not granted unless the petition follows completion of any and all probation requirements and a specified period of time without repeat offenses. The only other way these records may be eliminated is through winning an appeal in the court system.

Law Enforcement Resources

The National Crime Information Center  (NCIC) maintains a website at http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/doj/fbi/is/ncic.htm, which contains records and information on prior arrests and convictions of offenders from all across the country. Every law enforcement agency may access this database, and may submit information from their own vicinity. This allows law enforcement agencies to cross-check offender information or alert other agencies when an offender has escaped, an individual is reported missing, property has been stolen or a crime has been committed that may be related to another in a different part of the country. The Attorney General has exempted the NCIC website from the access rights provided for by the Privacy Act, so only authorized legal entities may access these records.