Federal crimes are prosecuted in United States district courts, which serve as trial courts. There are 94 federal judicial districts, with at least one district in each state, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
While federal crimes are relatively uncommon, there are approximately 4,500 offenses codified in federal statutes. These crimes often involve securities and tax law violations, immigration offenses, weapons charges, interstate drug crimes, civil rights violations, and activities occurring on federal land. Additionally, civil cases can be filed at the federal level.
Conducting a federal criminal record search is recommended as part of a pre-employment background screening report for roles such as executives, CPAs, and employees with access to sensitive financial information. However, employers should be aware that positive identification can sometimes be challenging due to limited personal identifiers in federal court files.
Federal offenses account for about 5 percent of all criminal records in the United States. To uncover records of federal criminal prosecution, a search of federal court records is necessary. Federal Criminal Records Checks expand the scope of background screening beyond the state level, offering an added layer of protection against negligent hiring claims.
Employers have both a moral and legal responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. Understanding whether a potential employee has been involved in activities such as substance abuse, reckless behavior, dishonesty, theft, or violent conduct helps employers assess whether the candidate is suitable for the role and workplace culture.
