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How far back do BCI and FBI fingerprints go?

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2018 8:02 pm
by lawapplicant2017
This inquiry doesnt really apply to me, as I have no record. However, I am friends with someone fifteen years older who has a misdemeanor from back in 1990.

He told me BCI reports only show records from last 7-10 years, but I thought no matter how old the conviction was it will show up on a BCI or FBI fingerprinting? Does anyone know the answer?

Re: How far back do BCI and FBI fingerprints go?

Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2018 10:16 pm
by QContinuum
Regardless of how far back background checks reach, you (or your friend) should be completely candid in your law school application. Read the C&F-related questions very carefully. There's no need to over-disclose, but make sure to answer every question candidly and fully. Convicted murderers have been admitted to the bar, so it's extremely unlikely a 15-year-old misdemeanor would disqualify someone. OTOH, lying on your law school application - especially in the C&F section - is taken very seriously and may result (and has in the past resulted) in extremely harsh penalties when discovered (expulsion from school, denial of bar admission, disbarment).

Re: How far back do BCI and FBI fingerprints go?

Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2021 8:24 pm
by uygiugiyugyugk
lawapplicant2017 wrote:
Wed Sep 12, 2018 8:02 pm
This inquiry doesnt really apply to me, as I have no record. However, I am friends with someone fifteen years older who has a misdemeanor from back in 1990.

He told me BCI reports only show records from last 7-10 years, but I thought no matter how old the conviction was it will show up on a BCI or FBI fingerprinting? Does anyone know the answer?

I don't know about BCI.

FBI fingerprints are forever. Once an arrest is submitted to them with your prints, you will have an FBI number forever which is tied to your prints.