What are spent convictions?

The majority of convictions become what is known as ‘spent’ after a certain period of time. A spent conviction is one which can be removed from your criminal record. This means that you do not have to disclose it to anyone and the police are not at liberty to disclose it to anyone either. Whilst a spent conviction is removed from your criminal record it remains on your criminal history.

What convictions can become spent?

A conviction imposed for an offence in NSW can become spent unless:

• it involves a prison sentence of more than six months (this does not include a juvenile control order or periodic detention);
• it was for a sexual offence;
• it was imposed against bodies corporate (eg a company)

If you have been charged with an offence, or would like to discuss a criminal law matter call North Shore Criminal Law on (02) 9955 2298 or our 24 hour Emergency Service on 0400 44 64 24.