How to Know if Someone You’ve Met Is a Felon
Knowing if someone you’ve met is a felon is vital because it could potentially impact your safety and well-being.
Felons are individuals who have been convicted of a crime that is considered serious by law, which means they may have a criminal record that includes something violent like theft or drug offenses.
If you suspect that your new friend or partner may have a criminal past, it’s necessary to confirm it for sure rather than always wondering, what if?
Here are some ways to know if someone you’ve met is a felon.
Observe Their Behavior
The first way to find out if someone you’ve met is a felon is by observing their behavior. While not always a fair indication, it can still provide valuable insights. Some signs to look out for include the following:
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Possession of illegal drugs or weapons
- Involvement in criminal activity
- Questionable friends who visit or call at odd hours
- Refusal to answer questions about their past
- Inconsistent or evasive answers about their past
- Inability to find work, despite being qualified
However, it’s important to remember not to falsely accuse someone. Therefore, it’s essential not to make assumptions based solely on behavior.
Ask the Person Directly
If you suspect someone you’ve met is a felon, you can ask them directly. It’s important to approach the conversation with sensitivity and respect. Explain why you’re asking and make it clear that you’re not judging them.
You could take a more subtle approach if asking them directly is too uncomfortable. For example, ask them if they know how to find someone in jail, and they may just open up and tell you.
Be prepared for the person to be hesitant or defensive, but also be open to hearing their side of the story. Remember that not all felons are dangerous or harmful people, and they may have made mistakes in the past. The more willing they are to discuss it may demonstrate how much they’ve changed.
Ask Mutual Connections
If asking them directly is too uncomfortable, you have mutual connections with the person you can ask — friends, family members, or colleagues.
However, it’s essential to approach this conversation with sensitivity and confidentiality. Make it clear that you’re not gossiping or spreading rumors but genuinely concerned about your safety and well-being.
Check Criminal Records
If having conversations isn’t an option, checking their criminal records is the most reliable way to know if someone you’ve met is a felon. Public records like these can be accessed online or in person through government agencies.
Depending on the state or country, criminal records may include the individual’s name, age, address, fingerprints, and the crime they were convicted of. You can contact your local police department, sheriff’s office, or state justice department to inquire about criminal records.
Conduct a Background Check
Another way to know if someone you’ve met is a felon is by conducting a background check. This more comprehensive search includes criminal records, employment history, education, credit history, and other personal information.
Background checks can be conducted online through people search sites. These websites have databases on people, compiled from a range of information sourced from the public domain. Marriage and divorce, motor vehicle and property, and public and court records all make up this file.
It’s Better to be Safe
Knowing if someone you’ve met is a felon is vital for your safety and well-being. While there are various ways to determine if someone has a criminal history, it’s essential to approach the situation with sensitivity and respect.
Begin by observing their behavior and asking them directly if it’s a comfortable conversation to have. Failing that, consider asking mutual connections.
Doing your own research, whether with the police or via online people search sites, could provide the answers you need without having to ask directly.
Keep in mind that not all felons are dangerous or evil people, and they may have learned from their mistakes.
If it turns out they were a convicted felon, it’s up to you to decide whether you’re comfortable with the person’s past and whether you want to continue your relationship with them.
