How do I write a letter of explanation for a criminal record?

Keep your description brief. Your whole letter should be about three paragraphs. Begin by telling how you got in trouble in the first place, but keep this part short. Give just enough detail for the employer to understand the nature of your infraction, but do not give too much detail.

How do you explain a criminal record in a job interview?

On the application, write ”will discuss in interview” rather than a lengthy explanation of past convictions. In an interview, keep explanations brief, and stress what you have learned from your conviction and time in prison, how you have changed, and your skills or assets. Be positive!

How do you write a professional explanation letter?

How to write a letter of explanation
  1. Facts. Include all the details with correct dates and dollar amounts.
  2. Resolution. Explain how and when the situation was resolved.
  3. Acknowledge. It’s important that the letter outline why the problem won’t arise again. Recognize if and how you could have avoided this mistake.

How do I describe my background check?

  1. Describe What You Learned. Many employers will overlook a criminal past if you explain that it inspired you to make positive life changes. …
  2. Put it Behind You. If the offense occurred several years ago, stress to the interviewer that your criminal behavior is a thing of the past. …
  3. Follow the Employer’s Lead. …
  4. Be Honest.

Do I have to tell my employer I have a criminal record?

Disclosing criminal records to employers in brief

Many employers ask at some point and if your convictions are unspent, you legally need to disclose them. If an employer asks and you don’t disclose, they could later revoke the job offer or you could be dismissed. You could even face a further conviction.

How do I explain a misdemeanor in an interview?

When you are applying for a job it may ask you “Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony in the last 7 years?” If your misdemeanor happened over 7 years ago then you are free and clear to say “no.” On the other hand, if the question has a more open timeframe such as “Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor …

What does it mean when a conviction is spent?

Spent convictions are those convictions that have reached a set period as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and are removed from an individual’s criminal record. Unspent convictions are those records that have not yet reached this defined time and will appear on a Basic Criminal Record Check.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allows felony arrests to be reported on background checks for seven years after release from prison. Felony convictions can be reported as far back as the employer chooses to go. Many employers check a period of five to ten years of history when hiring applicants.

How do employers check your background?

In responding to such questions, it is important to heed several guidelines:
  1. Tell the truth. …
  2. Only answer the question asked. …
  3. Take the opportunity to explain your criminal background, why it won’t affect your ability to do the job, and what steps you have taken since your conviction.

How long before a criminal conviction is spent?

Essentially, a conviction cannot become spent until the order ends. Some orders run for many years longer than the ‘main’ sentence. If someone received a 4 month prison sentence, this would be spent 2 years after the end of the full sentence.

How long does a spent conviction stay on your DBS?

11 years
If over 18 at the time of the offence, a conviction will be filtered 11 years after the date of the conviction, and a caution 6 years after the date of the caution, provided that the applicant did not go to prison, has not committed any other offence and the offence was not of a violent or sexual nature.

How long does a conviction stay on your record?

If the person was 18 years of age or older at the time of the offense (i.e. legally considered to be an adult), then the conviction will be expunged from their record 11 years after the conviction date (not the offense date).

What Offences show up on a DBS check?

Basic DBS check: Contains any convictions or cautions that are unspent.
…
What is a protected conviction or caution?
  • certain sexual offences.
  • offences of violence such as ABH, GBH, affray and robbery (but not common assault)
  • offences relating to the supply of drugs (but not simple possession) safeguarding offences.

Do spent convictions show up on a DBS check?

If you have unspent convictions, they will show up on any level of disclosure. If you have spent convictions, they won’t appear on a basic disclosure, but will show up on a standard or enhanced DBS check – unless they’ve been protected or filtered in line with current guidance.

Do spent convictions show on basic DBS?

Basic DBS checks do not disclose any convictions which are spent, cautions, fixed penalty notices or allegations.

Can I clear my criminal record UK?

In the UK, the Police National Computer (PNC) stores all recordable offences. It remains there until the person becomes 100 years old. However, there is no formal way for a person to request deletion of court convictions. For some exceptional cases, you can clear caution and convictions on a criminal record.

How far back do DBS checks go?

There is no limit to how far back an enhanced or standard check can go. For basic checks, only unspent convictions will be listed on a certificate.

Can I see my criminal record UK?

You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. This is called a ‘subject access request’. You might need a subject access request if you move to another country.

Can I get a criminal record removed?

Yes. If you are arrested and charged by the police but subsequently not convicted then you may apply for the deletion of your biometric data and PNC records if you have no previous convictions (for some minor offences the data will be automatically deleted).

Can I work for the NHS with a criminal record?

Although a criminal conviction in itself does not prevent anyone from working in the NHS, some types of offences, for example involving violence or sexual abuse, may indicate that an applicant is unsuitable to have access to patients and should not be employed.

Can you have your DNA removed from police records?

If you are arrested and charged by the police but then subsequently found not guilty at court, you may be able to apply for the deletion of your DNA and fingerprints and Police National Computer (PNC) records as long as you have no previous convictions.

What is considered a criminal record?

You may have a conviction if you have pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of a crime. A criminal record has information about your contact with the police. Employers, insurance companies and visa applications for going abroad sometimes ask about previous convictions.