Is it true that things you do against the law when you are under 18 get wiped clean once you turn 18?
The reason I ask is because when I was young and stupid I got 2 cautions from the police one for smoking pot and another for shop lifting : ( God thats embarassing I was so stupid, trust me I definatley have changed. Anyway I will be graduating soon and all the jobs I want are to do with the government, these jobs will put me through a thorough security assesement, including background check.
Will those cautions come up or do you get a clean slate when you turn 18?
I am in qld if it makes any difference and I did not have anything worse than a caution.
Please any help would be much appreciated
2007-03-18 00:00:44 · 5 answers · asked by f_jayce 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Honestly, all convictions on Australian Police files are supposedly wiped after a statue of five to ten years post-conviction, but according to an ex, (who worked as a solicitor) the Police rarely destroy the files (even though it's illegal) and keep EVERYTHING- though they are legally not allowed to.
In the case of a police-check for work- I'd suggest obtaining one for yourself before anyone else sees it and then from there perhaps you should seek legal advice to how you can have your name cleared (I'm sure there's a procedure- as you said you haven't any court convictions- the theft is the one the potential employer would most likely be worried about).
I'm sure some statutory declarations explaining your conduct and subsequent reform from prominent community members (former employer, chemist, church official, judge, lawyer, etc) would be exceptionally useful to your case.
Hope it helps.
2007-03-18 00:15:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Convictions for crimes will not be removed from a criminal record - however cautions do not constitute a conviction. The cautions are in place to warn you that if you commit a similar offence again, or sometimes for a third time, the police will charge you. They do not go on your criminal record (at least in Vic and Tas).
2007-03-18 23:16:20 · answer #2 · answered by xxalmostfamous1987xx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cautions won't be on your record. There's been worse crimes that went to court that have not been recorded. You'll pass with flying colours, don't worry. But if you still worry, then you can actually get it checked yourself first.
2007-03-18 00:10:46 · answer #3 · answered by Destiny Palmist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother did the same stuff before he turned 18. Don't worry, it'll all go away.
2007-03-18 00:55:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
do not worry, juvenile files are very hard to access
2007-03-18 00:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by raymondo C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋