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Criminal Compliance

The Theary Background Check API includes comprehensive criminal compliance features that exceed basic jurisdiction validation and support industry-specific regulatory requirements.

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Criminal Check Requirements

When requesting CRIMINAL search type, you must provide a criminalCheck configuration object.

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Basic Configuration

{
  "searchTypes": [
    {
      "searchType": "CRIMINAL",
      "searchTitle": "Criminal Background Check"
    }
  ],
  "criminalCheck": {
    "jurisdictions": ["federal", "state"]
  }
}

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Jurisdiction Levels

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Compliance Configuration

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Industry Regulations

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Position-Based Screening

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Complete Criminal Check Example

{
  "searchTypes": [
    {
      "searchType": "CRIMINAL",
      "searchTitle": "Criminal Background Check"
    }
  ],
  "criminalCheck": {
    "jurisdictions": ["federal", "state", "county"],
    "complianceRequirements": ["FINANCIAL_SERVICES"],
    "worksiteState": "NY",
    "positionLevel": "STANDARD",
    "securityClearanceRequired": false,
    "industrySector": "FINANCIAL_SERVICES"
  }
}

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Criminal Records Response

When criminal records are found, they will be included in the response: 
{
  "criminalRecords": [
    {
      "jurisdictionSearched": "CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE",
      "subjectName": "John Doe",
      "caseNumber": "CR-2020-001234",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "fileDate": "2020-01-20",
      "offenses": [
        {
          "offenseType": "THEFT",
          "offenseDescription": "Theft of property under $500",
          "offenseCount": 1,
          "disposition": "GUILTY",
          "dispositionDate": "2020-06-15",
          "sentence": "6 months probation",
          "fineAmount": 500.0,
          "isFelony": false,
          "isMisdemeanor": true
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

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Compliance Features

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Industry Regulations

DOT Regulations (Transportation Industry):
  • Enhanced screening requirements
  • Specific disqualifying offenses
  • Ongoing monitoring requirements
Financial Services (FCRA Compliance):
  • Strict background check standards
  • Consumer reporting compliance
  • Adverse action requirements
Healthcare Industry:
  • Patient safety screening
  • Regulatory compliance checks
  • Professional licensing verification

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Position-Based Requirements

Executive Level:
  • Comprehensive multi-jurisdiction searches
  • Enhanced due diligence
  • Reputation and integrity checks
Standard Positions:
  • Regular compliance screening
  • Industry-standard checks
  • Basic criminal history
Sensitive Roles:
  • Security clearance considerations
  • Enhanced background verification
  • Continuous monitoring eligibility

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Validation Rules

  • Required Field: jurisdictions array cannot be empty
  • Conditional Requirement: criminalCheck is required when CRIMINAL search type is included
  • Industry Alignment: complianceRequirements should match your industry sector
  • Geographic Compliance: worksiteState helps determine applicable regulations

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Error Handling

Missing Criminal Check: 
{
  "statusCode": 400,
  "message": "Criminal check jurisdictions are required when requesting criminal background checks",
  "error": "Bad Request"
}
Empty Jurisdictions: 
{
  "statusCode": 400,
  "message": "At least one jurisdiction level must be specified for criminal searches",
  "error": "Bad Request"
}

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Best Practices

  1. Choose Appropriate Jurisdictions: Include federal, state, and county for comprehensive coverage
  2. Match Industry Requirements: Use appropriate complianceRequirements for your sector
  3. Consider Position Level: Use EXECUTIVE or SENSITIVE for high-responsibility roles
  4. Geographic Compliance: Always specify worksiteState for location-specific regulations
  5. Document Requirements: Maintain records of compliance decisions and configurations

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Next Steps