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I've never seen this discussed here, but thought it would be interesting. I've lived in a few states, and I'll discuss how they differ.
Iowa : Arguably the most difficult public records search to get around in the country. It's statewide, and they show everything. A search of your last name nets everything. Divorce settlements (how much each had in assets and who filed), child support payments (down to the penny), and for any real crime (which should be public) any motion filed in the court, who your lawyer was, how much your fines were, anything and everything is there. All your personal info is there (address, car you drive) - even for a basic traffic ticket. There's also no removal of records, even if one is acquitted.
Illinois : By county, no statewide search. Cook County makes it difficult to search public criminal records, they are not readily available online. Civil records are, but the search is not all-encompassing. You have to select "civil, law, chancery, domestic, etc." Not sure about the smaller counties.
Florida : By county, and you can find out quite a bit in certain counties.
Thought it would be an interesting topic. I've noticed in Los Angeles County you have to pay a fee to even search anything.
I personally think there should be a medium, some states take it too far, and others make it too difficult. Any replies appreciated.
I think most public records should be accessed by those who have a need to know. Too many people can get online and into public records to view things that they truly have little or no need to know about another person.
With the identity theft problems becoming more of an issue for more people these days, I would like to see some way of preventing just anyone from getting to public records online. Maybe those who want to search need to go to the county records department and provide “their” id and be limited to just who’s id they are getting into?
This topic hasn't generated the discussion I thought it would. I would think privacy matters to most people, at least somewhat. In certain states, you have a lot more privacy than in others.
Yes, Iowa is like that. Especially if you have a rare last name, your history dating back to that public intox ticket in college can be found in seconds. I noticed this great variance having lived in other states and thought it was an interesting topic.
Disclaimer: obviously serious crimes/felonies need to be known
This topic hasn't generated the discussion I thought it would. I would think privacy matters to most people, at least somewhat. In certain states, you have a lot more privacy than in others.
Yes, Iowa is like that. Especially if you have a rare last name, your history dating back to that public intox ticket in college can be found in seconds. I noticed this great variance having lived in other states and thought it was an interesting topic.
Disclaimer: obviously serious crimes/felonies need to be known
Yup, I discovered there's a free and exposed Iowa records like few months ago and thought that's kinda scary in a way.
If I’m going to collect information on you from public records at least YOU have the right to know who I am and when I’m collecting it, and why I’m collecting your info.
Someone has to have an opinion on this. I've seen much dumber topics get replies.
Interesting that if this thread was about BIG BROTHER watching you, listening to you, and collecting information on you, people would be outraged!
Must be ok that private individuals or companies can dig into your public records, marriage license, property ownership, loans, legal documents that are filed, etc. etc.?
I don’t want just anyone to see my social security number or how I sign my name on a document. Stay out of my identity!
Allegheny County, Pa., where Pittsburgh is, county tax assessments and real estate taxes are public. There are photos of the properties and details such as number of rooms, fireplaces, baths, etc. Often these details are wrong.
Interesting that if this thread was about BIG BROTHER watching you, listening to you, and collecting information on you, people would be outraged!
Must be ok that private individuals or companies can dig into your public records, marriage license, property ownership, loans, legal documents that are filed, etc. etc.?
I don’t want just anyone to see my social security number or how I sign my name on a document. Stay out of my identity!
Your neighbors and co-workers are an extension of big brother nowadays. I don't think enough people realize that.
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