What Happens If I Have a Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record does not prevent you from applying for a police check. The check provides factual information, and the requesting organisation assesses the results based on their policies and requirements.
Yes, you can still apply. Having a criminal record does not stop you getting a police check. The check is simply a factual report — it's the requesting organisation that decides how to assess the result under their own policies.
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You can still apply
A criminal record does not prevent you from applying. The check is a factual report, and the requesting organisation determines how they assess it under their own policies and legislative requirements.
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What will be disclosed
Your certificate discloses disclosable court outcomes (DCOs) that meet the threshold for your check's purpose. Not all convictions are disclosable:
- Spent convictions are generally not disclosed (subject to legislation and purpose).
- Juvenile records are generally not disclosed in most circumstances.
- Dismissed charges, acquittals, and withdrawn matters are not disclosed.
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How your result is assessed
If your certificate includes disclosable outcomes, the requesting organisation assesses them in context — the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and its relevance to the role or application.
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Need guidance?
National Clearance Australia cannot provide legal advice about your criminal history. If you are concerned about disclosure, we recommend consulting a legal professional before applying.