Expedited Criminal Database Update (ECDU) Frequently Asked Questions

Call our offices today to find out more information and sign up for expedited criminal database update: 877-573-7273

How does ECDU work?

Higbee & Associates, the nation's largest record clearing law firm, and BackgroundChecks.com, the nation's largest source of compiled criminal record information, have an exclusive partnership that allows Higbee & Associates to provide them with updated records and have the revisions made in two weeks or less. Updating the records through BackgroundChecks.com ensures that they will furnish the data to over 600 independent companies, updating records with criminal background providers nationwide.

What does the ECDU process entail?

If you have previously had your record cleared with our law firm, the ECDU service will be added to your online case management system for your review and participation. If you are new to our offices, we will ask that you send in a copy of your court order granting relief along with some identifying information. If you were unsuccessful in your attempt to retrieve your court order, we can conduct the research for an additional fee.

How long does the ECDU process take?

ECDU is typically completed in less than two weeks. If we will be providing research with your service, it could take 1-3 months depending on how efficient the courts are at returning our records request.

What is included in the final packet?

To confirm our success, our firm will mail you a Final Packet at the conclusion of the service. This resource packet will include an informational guide to help you contact other agencies, along with a sample dispute letter from the founding attorney that you may submit to any other agencies that have still not corrected any false information (as they can be liable for civil damages), and finally, a promotional code from BackgroundChecks.com that can be used to view your background check for free.

Can I get a list of agencies that are contacted by your national update?

BackgroundChecks.com is the largest provider of data to independent background check companies, distributing data to about 600 independent agencies. However, BackgroundChecks.com is under nondisclosure agreements with their subsidiaries and cannot disclose the names of the agencies they are distributing data to. Because we recognize that there may still be other agencies reporting incorrect information after our sweep, we provide each client with a Final Packet to handle any future confrontations with these agencies.

How can I verify that my record has been updated?

Our firm will include a promotional code for a free nationwide background check from Backgroundchecks.com ($39.95 retail value) in your Final Packet. You may use this code to verify the updated record at the conclusion of the service.

What about the many other private databases that provide background checks?

There are thousands of private databases that hold criminal records nationwide and it is impossible to update them all for many reasons. That being said, there is no other single, significant step that will clear more sources in less time.

What if I have records in multiple states?

If you have records in multiple states we will charge the base rate for the first state and an additional, discounted fee for each extra state that we are submitting updates for.

What if I know of a particular agency showing my record?

If you have a particular agency in mind, we suggest waiting until after our agency sweep to contact them regarding your record. It is likely that our service will reach them and if not, you can use the informational guide and sample dispute letter in your Final Packet to request an update.

Why do I need ECDU if I already had my record expunged/cleared?

While you have done everything possible to clean up your government record, old information may still be held in private databases. Taking action to update or remove this data is the only way to be sure that outdated and damaging information will not be distributed online to friends, families, potential employers or educational programs.

Will this help with state agencies?

When the judge signs a court order granting a type of record relief, that order is then distributed to multiple state agencies who are required to update their records within a regulated time frame. Our service targets the private background check agencies because they are not maintained under the same regulations.

Will this service correct my record on a court's website?

Each state, county and court has their own requirements for regulating and managing their online systems. Depending on the state and county, it could take up to 9 months or more for the website to update and reflect your granted relief. Check your court's website for more information.

Does ECDU remove the record from the internet?

ECDU is designed to update your data that is on the Internet in relation to the types of relief the courts have granted you. Each state has different laws regarding what criminal information will legally remain public afterwards, and this service will ensure that your record is reflecting correctly and lawfully on the Internet.

Does your firm guarantee that this will be updated with BackgroundChecks.com?

Yes. Our relationship with BackgroundChecks.com is well founded. If for any reason they experience difficulty completing a particular update, they will inform us of the issue so our firm can research and amend the problem. BackgroundChecks.com will then promptly process our update.

How can I sign up for this service?

If you are a client that has used our record clearing services before, you may simply contact your case manager for instructions on how to begin. If you are new to our firm you may call our toll-free number and speak with a representative.

I am new to your firm, what do I need to get started?

We will request that you submit a copy of your granted court order, some personal information (date of birth, aliases, etc.) and the payment to begin the service. If you will not be providing us a copy of you granted court order for verification, we will need to conduct case research at an additional cost.

Will this service clear other personal information, like my address, email, phone number or photo from the internet?

This service updates criminal records only. The Internet is extensive and although it displays personal details that consumers may not want posted, the information can be very difficult to remove. If you are having problems with a particular website we would be happy to look into it for you. You may call our toll-free number and speak with a representative about your options for privacy.

How much does it cost?

For clients who have had their criminal records cleared by RecordGone.com we charge $150, otherwise for new clients we charge $250. If your criminal record was cleared in multiple states there is an additional charge of $50 per state.