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How to Get a Police Caution Removed

View profile for Umar Zeb
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  • Senior Partner - Head of Private Client Crime

While some people may assume that a caution will not form part of their criminal record, this is not true.

A police caution is usually kept on record indefinitely and will appear on a DBS check for at least six years. We understand how worrying this can be, particularly if it affects your career, travel or personal life.

This article explains who can apply for a police caution to be deleted and how the process works. Please note this is for general information only. If you need support with having a caution removed, contact JD Spicer Zeb for tailored advice.

You can apply to have a police caution deleted through the ACRO Criminal Records Office. To succeed, you must show strong reasons, such as the caution being issued unlawfully or that retaining it is no longer in the public interest. Legal advice is strongly recommended, as an experienced solicitor can help prepare a detailed application and gather the supporting evidence needed.

If the police refuse your request, it may be possible to challenge the decision through Judicial Review.

JD Spicer Zeb’s criminal defence solicitors have extensive experience in police caution removals. We can assess your case, advise on your likelihood of success and prepare a thorough application on your behalf.

Can you get a police caution removed?

It is possible to have a criminal caution removed from the Police National Computer (PNC), but only in very limited and exceptional circumstances.

The police will usually only agree to delete a caution if there is strong evidence that it was unfairly or unlawfully given or where it is no longer in the public interest to keep a record of it.

Examples of situations where a police caution might be removed include cases where you were unfit to accept the caution at the time, where proper procedures were not followed, or if there is clear evidence of a false allegation, mistaken identity, or unlawful arrest.

How much does it cost to remove a caution?

There is no fee charged by the police to apply for the removal of a caution from the Police National Computer (PNC).

However, submitting a successful application requires specialist legal knowledge and a strong argument supported by evidence. Seeking advice from an experienced solicitor can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Removing a police caution: Our fees

At JD Spicer Zeb, we offer expert advice on whether you have grounds to apply and can assist with preparing a persuasive application on your behalf. We can offer fixed fees for this service, depending on the complexity of your case.

You will require a meeting to discuss your position and the details of the police caution you seek to remove, with one of our experienced solicitors. We will then be able to advise you on the grounds by which you can make your application. This meeting will cost from £750 plus VAT.

To proceed with the application to remove the police caution, and any further additional work required, quotes start from £1000 plus VAT.

Does a police caution show on a DBS check?

Yes, a police caution can appear on a DBS check, depending on the type of check and how much time has passed.

For standard and enhanced DBS checks, a caution will usually be disclosed for six years if you were over 18 when it was given, or for two years if you were under 18. However, cautions for certain serious offences, particularly those involving violence, sexual offences, or safeguarding concerns, can remain on a DBS check indefinitely.

If your caution has been disclosed for six years and is now eligible to be filtered from a DBS check, it will still remain on the Police National Computer. In some cases, the police still have discretion to disclose a caution on an enhanced DBS check if they believe it is relevant to the role applied for, particularly in jobs involving children or vulnerable adults.

If you are concerned about a caution showing on your DBS check, it may be possible to apply to have it removed entirely from the Police National Computer. Our specialist solicitors can advise you on your options and whether you may have grounds to apply for deletion.

Related offences

We also provide support and guidance on various other matters that are related to police cautions, including:

Related cases

Contact our police caution solicitors today

If you would like to enquire about the removal of a police caution or need any urgent specialist advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact our solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you quickly.

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For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide a prompt, friendly response.