Public Records & Background Check Guides Made Simple

Learn how court records, criminal history searches, and public record systems work in the United States — including what information may be available and where to search.

[Button: Explore Background Check Guides]
[Button: Search Court Records by State]

Welcome to Record Detective

Record Detective is an independent informational resource dedicated to helping individuals understand how public records and background checks operate in the United States.

Public record systems vary by state and county, and online background check services differ in scope, depth, and legal limitations. Our goal is to simplify these systems and provide clear explanations so users can make informed decisions.

We focus on education, transparency, and responsible use of publicly available information.

Background Check Basics

If you are researching how background checks work, start here:

  • What Is a Background Check?

  • What Shows Up on a Criminal Background Check?

  • How Far Back Do Background Checks Go?

  • Are Online Background Checks Accurate?

  • Public Record Searches vs. Employment Background Screening

These guides explain what information may be available, how it is collected, and what limitations exist when using consumer background check services.

[Button: View Background Check Articles]

Court Record Lookup by State

Accessing court records depends on the state and county where the case was filed. Each jurisdiction maintains its own database and search procedures.

Explore step-by-step guides for:

  • California Court Records

  • Texas Court Records

  • Florida Court Records

  • New York Court Records

  • Illinois Court Records

Learn how official court systems work, where to search, and what information is typically accessible to the public.

[Button: Browse Court Record Guides]

Public Record Search Resources

Public records extend beyond criminal history and court filings. Depending on jurisdiction, public records may include:

  • Arrest records

  • Civil court filings

  • Property records

  • Business registrations

  • Inmate records

  • Marriage and divorce records

Our guides explain how these records are maintained and what users should expect when searching online databases.

[Button: Explore Public Record Resources]

Important Information About Background Checks

Record Detective is not a government agency and is not affiliated with any court system or law enforcement authority.

We do not provide official background screening services and are not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. Users should verify information through official government sources whenever possible and ensure compliance with applicable laws before using any third-party service.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Some pages on this website may reference third-party background check or public record services for informational purposes. Where applicable, we may receive compensation through affiliate partnerships at no additional cost to users.

Our editorial content is developed independently and focuses on clear, balanced explanations of how record-search systems function.