How Long Does A Police Caution Last?

How long a police caution lasts depends on the type of offence that has been committed and are usually "stepped down" after about five to ten years depending on how serious the offence was. Once a caution has been stepped down, then it will only be viewed by the police and not by members of the public or any companies that do history checks. A police caution should not be confused which is the caution that is given upon arresting reminding them that they have the right to remain silent. A police caution, can also be known as a simple caution, is administered by the police and is a non-statutory disposal for adult offenders. Cautions do not apply to children under the age of seventeen.

A caution given by the police is formal alternative to a prosecution in minor and less serious cases. It is most commonly used in England, Wales and Hong Kong and suits situations where a full prosecution is not appropriate for the case that is being heard. Although a police caution is not classed as a conviction, it is possible that it will be considered within court if the person is brought to court again. In other words, it could count against them in certain situations.

There are three main purposes to a police caution. Firstly, to deal with less serious offences quickly and easily. Secondly, to divert these unnecessary cases from being brought forward to the court and thirdly they can be used as a way of trying to reduce the likelihood of the person committing another offence. It is intended as a first official warning and also to deter people from continuing down a criminal path.

Recent changes to the Criminal Justice Act 2003 mean that cautions can be given in two forms. Firstly, a simple caution or a conditional caution which carries specific conditions where the person who committed the offence must meet certain requirements i.e. Attending a course that is aimed at correcting offending behavior.

I was cautioned in 2006 for shop lifting.   I have no previous history of any contact with the police then or since that date.   Will this be wiped from my record in five years i.e. 2011?

I was cautioned 4 years ago for being drunk and disorderly how long before it is off my criminal record check

I was given a caution for smacking my sister would that affect me from becoming a british citizen it happen in 2007.

Will a police caution issued 7 years ago show up on a CRB check?

I was cautioned for possession of a class A drug. How long will it last on my record.

A police caution lasts depending upon the type of offence committed; these are "stepped down" after a particular period of time like (5 to 10 years). A police caution is more like an official warning that is given to an adult who has committed some sort of offence. If the accused refuses the caution then he shall be normally prosecuted according to the normal ways of the offence.

Though the police caution is not officially classified as a conviction it can be considered by courts if a person commits more offences.

Cautions do not come under the 1974 Act of Rehabilitation of Offenders. After a period of time the offence is "Stepped Down" which means it will only be seen to the police and not to agencies who do verification.

Cautions do not apply to children below the age of seventeen years.

I am 59 when I was 20 I was in trouble with the police for taking a car will this still be on record

I excepted a  cautioned 6 years ago for something my ex husband did, to prevent him going to court so my son didn't have to give evidence against him. How long will this caution last, it was not a high caution like my ex husband received..

I'm pretty sure it remains on record for 5 years so yes.

You are asking for the background check, then it takes 2 to 3 working days, not more than that.

A Caution is classed as a conviction. The reason it is classed as a conviction, is because when one receives a caution, it is a admission of guilt. Cautions are spent, five years after one receives it, but they will show up on a CRB check for life.

I was arrested for being drunk and disorderly in 1993. I was charged but didn't go to court. I got something through the post from a court and was fined  £90. Is this a criminal conviction and will it show on an enhanced crb check.

I got told 5 years but thats was wrong probably its for life

Due to recent changes the caution will last for 99 years; they wil not be stepping down cautions
any longer either.

I have more information for it on my site

www.stepitdown.wordpress.com - if you're interested in find out more.

I was given police caution in march 2007 will it still be on records