Are there exceptions where the criminal records are relevant even when spent?
The criminal records that can become spent are those of minor offences. However, there may be some sensitive professions or appointments from which a person may be disqualified by reason of his past convictions. Certain laws, such as the Medical Registration Act and others, already stipulate that a person convicted of certain offences, such as those involving dishonesty, be disqualified from either joining the profession or being appointed to certain posts within the profession.
This amendment to the Registration of Criminals Act will not change any of the existing requirements in the law for the various professions. In other words, the criteria for joining or being appointed to these professions or positions is determined by the specific laws relating to those professions or appointments.
Can a person’s criminal record be rendered spent if he has just missed the criteria by a few days or by a few hundred dollars? Is there an appeal channel?
A person who is disqualified by the conditions stated in section 7C of the Registration of Criminals Act can apply to the Commissioner of Police under section 7D of the RCA for their criminal records to be rendered spent.