How can I obtain a criminal background check on someone without it
costing me anything. Im currently out of work. As a result I am
considering having a man I know move in but have been told(although it
be by his soon to be ex-wife) that there is a history of abuse
including contact by law enforcement. Therefore I would appreciate any
help with this ASAP as I do have a young child and don't want to
endanger her or myself. By the way I have known this man for
approximately 1 year and have been "involved" with him theredore Im
not sure if the ex's coments were made out of jelousy or if they're
legitimate.

Try contacting the local police station and asking them. These records
are probably public and they might know how to get this information or
they might be able to release the information.  I would think they
would help you since (assuming the information is public) they don't
want to have to visit a house with a domestic violence issue.

Every state has a department of corrections website or a county jail
website which usually has public access databases (from your home
computer or at the county courthouse) where you can do a lookup by
this man's name.  Of course you will see the past court cases he has
been involved in.  Listen to this ex-wife--she would have no reason to
lie about a man being abusive--she is speaking from experience and
trying to give you adequate warning to avoid him at all costs!

4KEITH (I'm NOT a GOOGLE RESEARCHER)

Re : 4keith-ga 's comment -  What world soes he live in? Dont 
automatically believe the ex.-She's got plenty of reasons to lie,; ie.
- money, support payments, no alimony, and REVENGE.  Remember the
cliche " Hell hath no fury, as a woman scorned!"  Definately check
this guy out, but remember this - Rape charges are easily filed on no
evidence "she said" only cases.  I know a man who's ex-wife files
kidnapping charges everytime their 16 year old son rides his bike over
to his Dad's house. This mans life has been ruined, the first time she
filed he spent over 6 months in jail.   Our legal system has turned
into arrest, accuse and convict without evidence. Only the wealthy are
entitled to justice.  Look at that guy who was locked up for
supposedly being involved in the bombing.  Now the FBI says they made
a mistake and he's innocent.  You and I would still be sitting in that
jail, but  he was freed was because he's an attorney.  Or the poor
sucker they locked up  for supposedly kidnapping that little girl out
of her home in California.  That poor guy had a heart attack and died
in that cell. When she was found and the real kidnapper caught  you
didnt see any kind of public apology or anything.  From day one he and
his wife swore his innocence.  This doesnt just happen with big cases
, it's more common than you can possibly imagine.

Hi Legaldesire,

Have you not already answered your own question? Do you honestly think
a criminal history check will alleviate your fears? What if there is
no record? You will still be on-guard and wondering. If you have any
doubt as to the safety of your child, don't you owe it to your child
and yourself to keep this man out of your home? If you need rent
assistance, at least consider sharing with another working female.