How To Check If Your Criminal Record Is Clean

When Will Your Record Be Cleared?

When talking about DBS disclosures and criminal record DBS checks, many people like to know what details will be listed, but what you may not realise is that the DBS filtering system may decide not show some cautions, convictions, warnings or reprimands if a certain amount of time has passed since the crime was committed.

So, how long does it take for items to become spent and when does your criminal record get cleared? Well, that depends on the crime and your age. Let us talk you through it.

Criminal Convictions

If the Applicant Was 18+ Years Old at the Time of Offence

If the person applying for a DBS disclosure was over the age of 18 when they committed the criminal offence, then they are regarded as an adult and the offence will only be filtered from their check if:

• More than 11 years have passed since the conviction

• The applicant didn't go to prison

• The applicant hasn't committed a crime since

• The crime committed does not appear on the list relevant to safeguarding

If the Applicant Was Under 18 Years Old at the Time of Offence

If the person applying for the check was under 18 years old when they committed the offence (even if they are over 18 now) they will be categorised as a minor and the offence will be filtered if:

• More than 5 ½ years have passed since the conviction was committed

• The applicant didn't go to prison

• It was the only offence

• The crime committed does not appear on the list relevant to safeguarding

Cautions

If the Applicant was 18+ Years Old at the Time of Caution

Cautions are seen as slightly less serious than a conviction and therefore, the time it takes for them to wiped from an individual's record is shorter. Cautions will be filtered from a DBS report if:

• It has been more than 6 years since the caution was given

• The crime committed does not appear on the list relevant to safeguarding

If the Applicant was Under 18 Years Old at the Time of Caution

If the individual was under the age of 18 at the time of the caution then the filter time is even less. They will be filtered if:

• It has been 2 or more years since the incident

• The crime committed does not appear on the list relevant to safeguarding

However, Some Records Will Never Clear

Of course, there are some crimes that will never be filtered from records and will always appear when a DBS check is ordered.

Serious sexual or violent crimes, which are relevant in a safeguarding context will never be filtered. This also goes for any similar offences committed abroad at any time. There is a vast catalogue of crimes that fall under this bracket from child abduction to terrorism, so if you're interested in learning more please do get in touch with our team.

Apply for a DBS Check Online with CBS

At CBS, we can talk you through a background checking process which will help benefit you or your company, and ensure you to feel more secure when making a decision.

If you would like any more information on DBS checks or advice on measuring your screening services, please get in touch with our team – we'd love to hear from you.

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