The length of time details of an offence must remain on your record depends on the nature of the sentence given out. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 enables some criminal convictions to become 'spent', or ignored, after a set period of time.
After this period, with certain exceptions, an ex-offender is not normally obliged to mention their conviction when applying for a job or obtaining insurance, or when involved in criminal or civil proceedings.
Custodial sentences of more than 2 ½ years can never become spent.
If you need to disclose your offences in writing, it is always better to do clearly: detail them on a separate sheet, be positive about your skills and achievements and explain how your life has changed since you last offended.
For the most up to date information about rehabilitation periods post-sentence visit www.nacro.org.uk or www.apextrust.com
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