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Will a Criminal Record Affect Overseas Travel? If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering whether it will prevent you from travelling overseas. The answer depends on the country you intend to visit, the nature of your criminal record and whether a conviction was recorded. Every country has its own immigration laws, and …

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Will a Criminal Record Affect My Job? One of the biggest concerns people have after being charged with a criminal offence is whether it will affect their job. A criminal record can have significant consequences for both current and future employment, but the impact depends on the type of offence, whether a conviction is recorded …

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What Is a Spent Conviction? A criminal conviction can have long-lasting consequences, affecting employment, professional registration, volunteering, travel and other opportunities. However, Victoria now has a spent convictions scheme that allows many convictions to become “spent” after a period of time or, in some cases, following a successful application to the Magistrates’ Court. If you …

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Can a Conviction Be Removed? If you have a criminal conviction, you may be wondering whether it can be removed from your record. In Victoria, a conviction may become spent immediately, automatically after the relevant conviction period, or following a successful application to the Magistrates’ Court. A conviction may also be overturned through an appeal …

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What Is the Difference Between a Conviction and a Non-Conviction? If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you may have heard the terms “conviction” and “non-conviction” used in court. The difference can have significant consequences for your future. A recorded conviction may affect your employment, professional registration, travel and ability to obtain certain …

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Will I Get a Criminal Record? One of the first questions many people ask after being charged with a criminal offence is whether they will end up with a criminal record. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of offence, whether you are found guilty, the sentence imposed by the court …

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Am I Eligible for Diversion? If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you may be wondering whether you are eligible for diversion. Diversion is one of the best outcomes available in the Magistrates’ Court because, if successfully completed, your charge is dismissed without a finding of guilt or a criminal conviction. However, not …

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What Is Diversion? If you have been charged with a criminal offence in Victoria, you may have heard about the possibility of receiving a diversion. Diversion allows some eligible offenders to avoid a criminal record by completing a diversion plan instead of proceeding through the normal court sentencing process. While diversion is not available in …

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Does Pleading Guilty Early Reduce My Sentence? If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you may be wondering whether pleading guilty early will reduce your sentence. In many cases, the answer is yes. Victorian courts are required to take an early plea of guilty into account when sentencing an offender. An early plea …

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Will Counselling Help at Sentencing? If you are facing sentencing for a criminal offence, you may be wondering whether counselling will make a difference to the outcome of your case. In many situations, the answer is yes. While counselling does not excuse criminal behaviour, it can demonstrate to the court that you have taken responsibility …

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