Background checks are quite common, such as for potential employees, college applications, and employees who want to work in a setting like a hospital or city government. A wide variety of information can be uncovered with a background check. It can show and confirm any employment gaps, and sometimes the reason for leaving a job. A criminal background check is designed to uncover any felony or misdemeanor convictions, any pending criminal cases involving the individual, and any history of incarceration as an adult. Sometimes arrest with prosecutions are reported as well.