Will a Felony Warrant Show Up on a Background Check and Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?

When it comes to background checks, one of the most pressing questions people have is whether a felony warrant will appear in the results. The short answer is yes, but the long answer is much more nuanced. Background checks are a common tool used by employers, landlords, and even dating apps to assess an individual’s history. However, the scope of what a background check reveals can vary widely depending on the type of check being conducted, the jurisdiction, and the specific policies of the organization requesting the information.
The Basics of Background Checks
A background check is essentially a review of a person’s criminal, commercial, and financial records. These checks can range from a simple verification of identity and employment history to a deep dive into criminal records, credit scores, and even social media activity. The most common types of background checks include:
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Criminal Background Checks: These checks are designed to uncover any criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and warrants. They are often used by employers to ensure the safety of their workplace and by landlords to assess the risk of renting to a particular individual.
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Employment Background Checks: These checks typically include verification of employment history, education, and professional licenses. They may also include a criminal background check, depending on the employer’s policies.
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Credit Background Checks: These checks are used to assess an individual’s financial responsibility. They are often required for jobs that involve handling money or sensitive financial information.
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Social Media Background Checks: With the rise of social media, some employers and organizations are now including a review of an individual’s online presence as part of their background check process.
Felony Warrants and Background Checks
A felony warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual suspected of committing a felony. Felony warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a serious crime, such as murder, robbery, or drug trafficking.
When it comes to background checks, felony warrants are generally included in criminal background checks. However, there are several factors that can influence whether a felony warrant will show up on a background check:
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Jurisdiction: The availability of warrant information can vary by jurisdiction. Some states and counties have more comprehensive databases that include active warrants, while others may not.
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Type of Background Check: Not all background checks are created equal. Some checks may only include convictions, while others may include arrests and warrants. The depth of the check will depend on the policies of the organization requesting the information.
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Timeframe: Some background checks only go back a certain number of years. If a felony warrant was issued many years ago, it may not appear on a more recent background check.
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Sealed or Expunged Records: In some cases, criminal records, including warrants, may be sealed or expunged. This means that they are no longer accessible to the public and will not appear on a background check.
The Impact of a Felony Warrant on Your Life
Having a felony warrant out for your arrest can have serious consequences, even if you are not aware of it. If a background check reveals an active warrant, it could lead to immediate legal action, including arrest. Additionally, a felony warrant can impact your ability to secure employment, housing, and even loans.
For example, many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process. If a felony warrant is discovered, it could lead to the withdrawal of a job offer or even termination if the warrant is discovered after employment has begun. Similarly, landlords often conduct background checks on potential tenants. A felony warrant could result in a denial of a rental application.
Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?
While the topic of felony warrants and background checks is serious, it’s worth taking a moment to consider a completely unrelated but equally perplexing question: why do cats always land on their feet? This phenomenon, known as the “righting reflex,” is a fascinating example of feline agility and biology.
Cats have an extraordinary ability to orient themselves in mid-air, allowing them to land on their feet even when falling from great heights. This ability is due to a combination of factors, including their flexible spine, lack of a functional collarbone, and a highly developed vestibular system, which helps them maintain balance and spatial orientation.
When a cat falls, it instinctively twists its body to align its feet with the ground. This twisting motion is facilitated by the cat’s flexible spine, which allows it to rotate its front and rear halves independently. Additionally, the cat’s tail acts as a counterbalance, helping to stabilize its body during the fall.
The righting reflex is so effective that cats can often survive falls from significant heights, although this does not mean that falls are without risk. Cats can still suffer injuries from falls, especially if they land on hard surfaces or from extreme heights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a felony warrant will generally show up on a background check, but the specifics can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the type of check being conducted, and other factors. It’s important to be aware of any active warrants and to take steps to address them as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.
And while we may never fully understand why cats always land on their feet, it’s clear that their unique biology and instincts play a crucial role in their survival. Whether you’re dealing with a felony warrant or simply marveling at the agility of your feline friend, it’s important to approach each situation with care and attention to detail.
Related Q&A
Q: Can a felony warrant be removed from my record? A: In some cases, a felony warrant can be resolved by turning yourself in to law enforcement and addressing the underlying charges. Once the warrant is resolved, it may no longer appear on a background check. However, the process for removing a warrant from your record can vary by jurisdiction.
Q: How long does a felony warrant stay active? A: A felony warrant typically remains active until the individual is arrested or the warrant is recalled by the court. There is no set time limit for how long a warrant can remain active, and it can stay on your record indefinitely until it is resolved.
Q: Can I run a background check on myself to see if I have any active warrants? A: Yes, you can run a background check on yourself to see if you have any active warrants. There are several online services that allow you to conduct a self-background check, or you can contact your local law enforcement agency for more information.
Q: What should I do if I discover an active felony warrant on my background check? A: If you discover an active felony warrant on your background check, it’s important to take immediate action. Contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss your options and to help you navigate the legal process. Ignoring a warrant can lead to serious consequences, including arrest and additional charges.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the righting reflex in cats? A: While the righting reflex is highly effective, it is not foolproof. Cats can still suffer injuries from falls, especially if they are unable to complete the righting motion due to the height of the fall or other factors. Additionally, very young or elderly cats may have a less effective righting reflex, increasing their risk of injury.