Introduction – Will I Have A Criminal Record If Found Not Guilty?
If you are arrested, charged, then later found not guilty, it’s natural to wonder “Will I Have a Criminal Record If Found Not Guilty?”. In this article, we will discuss what being found not guilty means for you and your DBS check.
When navigating the legal system, being arrested and charged with a crime can be a difficult experience. However, for those who are ultimately found not guilty, the resolution of the case brings relief and a sense of closure. It’s natural for individuals in this situation to wonder about the lingering effects, particularly regarding their criminal record and its impact on future job possibilities.
Will I Have a Criminal Record If Found Not Guilty?
If you are found not guilty, it is known as an aquittal, meaning you walk free and carry on with your everyday life!
This means that if you are found not guilty, you do not have a criminal record. But sometimes, information about court cases, even an acquital, or No Further Action, can be shared on an Enhanced DBS Check as ‘Relevant information’
Does Being Found Not Guilty Show On A DBS Check?
There are different levels of DBS checks, including Basic, Standard, and Enhanced checks, each serving specific purposes and providing varying degrees of information. Generally, a not guilty verdict will not appear on a Basic or Standard DBS check, as these checks primarily focus on disclosing unspent convictions and cautions.
Enhanced DBS checks also include other relevant information held by the Police. If they believe that it is important for an employer to know about it, then it will be included in the DBS check. However, it will be made clear that the result was not guilty, or if the case was dropped, the information shared by the police would explain the outcome.
Conclusion – Will I Have a Criminal Record If Found Not Guilty?
If you are found not guilty, then you will not have a criminal record. This information will not show on a Basic or Standard DBS, but may show on an Enhanced DBS if the Police believe it is relevant to your job role.
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About The Author
Kellie Dawson
Kellie is our in-house legal expert when it comes to DBS checks. With a background in the legal sector, she has become a recognised authority in this area.