Skip to content
Background Checks Jan 19, 2021

Not Checking for Federal Offenses?

Does your background screen include federal offenses? Federal offenses are prosecuted under federal law and the records are not housed in county courts.

Does your background screen include federal offenses? Not sure? Federal offenses are prosecuted under federal law and the records are not housed in county courts.

The federal government maintains its own court system for criminal charges and convictions of national consequence. Federal crimes may include interstate criminal actions, capital offenses, mail fraud, and select white-collar crimes.

Employers may not add this search to their screening process because they think the records are included in a database search, or they don’t think a federal search is necessary. However, employers can benefit from adding federal searches because someone who doesn’t look like they may have a federal record could have a lot to hide.

Without a federal search, Robert Felner would appear to have no criminal record, as he has no arrests or convictions that would be found at the county court house or through a national database search.

Who is Robert Felner?


In 2010, Felner, a former University of Louisville dFelnerean, pled guilty to nine federal charges, including tax evasion, in connection with fraud schemes at both Louisville and the University of Rhode Island. He was sentenced to 63 months in prison and was ordered to pay restitution of $2.3 million.

Felner has since served his time and is in the job market. Considering his past, employers may have concern to place him in any position with access to handling or managing money. But if he were to apply for a position  with one of the many retailers across the country, they may receive a report that indicates he has a clean record because a federal searches was not conducted.

A miss like this could cost a business big, but adding federal searches to a background screening package won’t. Pricing for federal searches is typically just a few dollars, and by adding more sources to your background check, you have a better opportunity to make the best hiring decisions for your organization.

Latest Articles

The Role of Background Checks in the Booming Esports Industry
Background Checks

The Role of Background Checks in the Booming Esports Industry

Discover the critical role of background checks in ensuring integrity, safety, and professionalism in the rapidly growing esports industry.

March 17, 2025

Criminal Minds: Unveiling the Real-World Impact of Background Screening on Crime Prevention
Background Checks

Criminal Minds: Unveiling the Real-World Impact of Background Screening on Crime Prevention

Discover how background screenings enhance security and prevent crime in workplaces, communities, and financial institutions through meticu...

March 14, 2025

Kanye West's Controversial Tweets: Navigating the Risks of Social Media Screening
Protect

Kanye West's Controversial Tweets: Navigating the Risks of Social Media Screening

Navigating the risks of social media screening through Kanye West's controversial tweets and understanding its impact on personal and profe...

March 12, 2025