Criminal Records

If you are convicted of a criminal offence in a Court of Law you get criminal record.  This record whilst it can be disclosed can have a significant effect on your life particurlarly with regards to obtaining work and travelling to different countries.

A criminal record for most offences will only be 'disclosed' for a limited period of time and then it becomes 'spent'.  This means that only the police and the Courts will know about it.

Finger prints and photographs & intimate samples

The police are allowed to take your finger prints if they have reason to suspect your involvement in a crime even before you are charged.

They may want to take your photograph but cannot force you to have your picture taken against your will.

If you are not charged or you are charged and found not guilty, the police must destroy any fingerprints or photos.

motoring convictions

A Court can impose various penalties with regard to motoring offences these include disqualification and licence endorsements.  If you apply for a driving licence or motor insureance and you have been disqualified or the Court has ordered your licence is endorsed then you must reveal these matters on the application form - failure to do so is an offence.  Generally speaking insurance companies will significantly increase the premiums (how much you have to pay) for people who have been convicted of motoring offences.