Length of a conviction on record

[Trooper69]

How long does a conviction, for example, carrying an offensive weapon, on record last for an individual. I know a conviction is technically 'spent' after 5 years but does it still show up on CRB's?

[Buenchico]

Not all convictions are 'spent' after 5 years. The length of the 'rehabilitation period' depends upon the sentence passed by the court:
http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/rehabact.htm
(As you're probably aware, no conviction is ever regarded as spent when applying for certain types of employment, which are exempted from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, such as those which involve contact with children or vulnerable adults).

At present there are two levels of CRB checks. ('Standard' level checks only show convictions or cautions. 'Enhanced' checks can show any other information which a senior police officer, or other relevant person, deems to be relevant. These can include non-substantiated allegations or even information about the person's partner or family members).

With both the present levels of checks, all convictions will always show up. However the CRB is currently working upon the introduction of a 'basic' level check. There's very little information available at the moment but the assumption seems to be that this will become the 'normal' check for 'non-sensitive' occupations, with spent convictions not appearing on it.

Chris

[Trooper69]

Thank you very much for this most useful information Chris.
I was convicted of carrying an offensive weapon(harmed no-one),had 60 hours C.S. and �60 costs. However, I am a professional man dealing with the public and was disappointed when I observed the web site you referred to that in my case, the conviction will stand for 5 years, but even after that time it will never be deleted. Still I suppose its something when I can answer 'no' to a conviction question after the 5 years are up. I was and still am ill when the offence was committed (dependency on tranquillisers) which mitigated my sentence. But am in therapy now.Thanks again.