How do I check the criminal background for someone from back in the 1950's?

Question

I know this person was in trouble with the law back in the 1950's . It had to do with an illegal adoption. I may be related to the adopted child as her mother is also mine. How do I find out our mother's criminal record from so far back?

Answer 1

You have to go to the county where she was likely arrested.  They will have to look in the archives, so that may cost some money.  If you live a long way away, consider sending a letter to the Sheriff's dept. or Police Dept. finding out what you can do.

I know an adoptee who was easily able to get her mother's arrest and conviction record from the 50s and 60s.  At my suggestion, she checked the county newspapers of the era at the local library.  In small towns, all arrests were often listed.  She told me that the sheriff and police depts. don't throw any of that stuff away, but finding it may take some time.   However, if it was only an arrest with no priors or convictions and no indication of later criminal activity, it could have been purged.

Answer 2

Not sure.  Do you have their social security number?  Can you go to the police with this number and ask them to do a check?  You might want to go to the town where the adoption took place, maybe someone knows something.

Next, what are you trying to prove?  Is it worth it?  Adoptions (and life in general) back in the 50's were often illegal in order to keep the woman (or family) from being shamed.  It's hard to judge someone today, with what happened nearly 60 years ago.

Answer 3

You can go to the court and look. Courts handle records differently and you may still have a chance to find something if the person was actually convicted of a crime. You can also try a database search, if the information became available electronically the again you may have a chance. Try www.easybackgroundchecks.com

Answer 4

www.outsourceinvestigations.com