Yes, it is possible to check if someone has pending charges, but the process depends on state laws, privacy regulations, and the type of charges involved.
Common Ways To Find Out If Someone Has Pending Charges
Check Online Court or Law Enforcement Records
Many states and counties provide public access to criminal records and pending charges.
Visit the website of the local court, sheriff’s office, or state criminal records database.
Some states have case lookup tools where you can search by name or case number.
👉 Example: Search “Sedgwick County court case lookup” or “Kansas criminal records search.”
Contact the Local Courthouse
Call or visit the county courthouse clerk where the person may have charges.
Provide the full name and date of birth to request case information.
Some courts may require formal record requests or charge a small fee.
Request a Background Check
Official state or federal background checks may reveal pending charges.
Some states allow public requests, while others limit access to employers or law enforcement.
FBI background checks (via fingerprinting) can uncover state and federal charges.
Search Police or Jail Records
Many county jails or sheriff’s departments have arrest databases that may list pending cases.
Some agencies provide inmate lookups for recent arrests and outstanding warrants.
Hire a Private Investigator or Use a Public Records Service
Some online services (BeenVerified, TruthFinder, Intelius) offer criminal record searches.
Be aware that not all online databases are accurate or up-to-date.
Ask an Attorney or Law Enforcement
A criminal defense attorney can access legal records and determine if someone has active charges.
Law enforcement may confirm pending charges but won’t always release details to the public.
When Pending Charges May Not Be Publicly Available
- Juvenile cases – Records are often sealed.
- Cases under investigation – Charges may not appear until formally filed.
- Expunged or sealed records – Some records may be restricted from public access.
Checking for pending charges can be done through court websites, law enforcement agencies, or background checks, but access depends on state laws and privacy regulations. If the information is not publicly available, talk to an attorney may be the best option.
