What offences show on a National Police Check?

A criminal record can be detrimental to your work prospects and ability to do volunteer work. Often organisations will ask you for a National Police Check to see that you are of good character or suitable for the role. But not all criminal offences show up on a police check. We detail what and what doesn't show on your criminal record.

Firstly there are two types of criminal records in most states.  One that shows driving convictions maintained by your state's road authority, and one that is maintained by the police. A police check will show both, nationwide.

What will show up on a National Police Check

• Disclosable court outcomes including convictions, sentences, penalties;
• All findings of guilt, good behaviour bonds, community-based orders, and suspended sentences;
• Serious traffic convictions such as drink driving or dangerous driving.
• Any pending charges before a court.

It Check will display the following information:

• Description of the offence(s);
• The court where you were sentenced;
• The date that you were sentenced;
• The sentence description.

What will not show up on a National Police Check

• Where you're found innocent of charges;
• Where police withdraw charges;
• Traffic infringements and less serious traffic convictions;
• Diversion programs once you've completed them;
• Matters prosecuted by authorities other than the police, such as transport authorities;
• Spent convictions - convictions more than ten years old for adults and five for juveniles. Except for sexual offence convictions, prison sentences greater than six months, and corporate offence convictions.

It is clear there is a lot at stake for a person's future. We founded MyDefence so that clients don't have to stress about expensive lawyers fees and don't feel that they need to plead guilty to avoid more expense. This gives our client the best chance possible at avoiding a damaging criminal record.