How long does a caution stay on record?

Answer 1

So-called "cautions" are not violations of criminal statutes and thus do not (SHOULD not) appear on your criminal record. In my experience these "cautions" are only kept in local files which are used for reference by invistigators or authorities in the jurisdiction in which you live on the possibility you may come to their attention in the future.

The above is wrong. A "caution" is classed as a conviction on your criminal record. Since September 2004, as a result of the Bichard Enquiry, a caution will stay on your record indefinitely as will any conviction for a recordable offence.

Answer 2

Under current practice, the Police store details of Cautions until the offender reaches the age of 100 years. However, this does not necessarily mean that you have to declare it to an employer or that it will show on a criminal record check.

A caution is spent immediately and therefore does not have to be declared for roles that are covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. It will not show up on a basic level criminal record check.

After 11 years (or 5.5 years if under 18 when cautioned), a caution for criminal damage will become eligible for filtering and will no longer show on a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate unless it is an enhanced check and the police reasonably believe the information to be relevant to a recruitment decision.

Prior to 2006, certain offences were removed from the PNC, or never recorded. In which case, the offence would not show up on a criminal record check performed now. However, you would still be required to declare the offence when asked by an organisation with lawful entitlement to such information.

Answer 3

Forever, but only remains live for 5 years, depending on the offence.

would that stop me from traveling to the USA for a holiday & do I have to declare my caution

Answer 4

A "caution" is an internal administrative record NOT a part of your criminal history.

Answer 5

Unless committed prior toyour 18th birthday, normally all criminal offenses remain on your adult criminal history record for life.

Answer 6

(in the US) Police issued "cautions" do not appear on a check of your permanent (adult) criminal history.