Hello and a question

[Uber_Pimp]

Hi, I just joined this forum.

I have a question. Im 22 and Im thinking of applying to both the fire service and police force. Both require that you mention criminal records/convictions on their application forms.

I am not the sort who gets into trouble, far from it, but back when I was 19 I got into a scuffle with a boy in a nightclub and ended up in court. He pushed me, but I punched him first so I was to blame and I admitted this. I had to pay 100 pounds fine and that was it done and dusted. Other than this I have no charges/convictions/cautions

I have a few problems. First, Im not sure if this means I was charged? Or would it be a caution? How do I find this out? Obviously I would of been told this at the time but for the life of me I cant remember. A friend of mine said because I had to go to court then surely I was charged. Secondly, I dont know the exact date of when the court appearance happened and neither do I know what offence I was fined for. Im assuming assault? How do I find out the date and the offence I was fined for?

Once again, Im not a thug. Im a university student! If anyone could help me with any of my confusion that would be great or at least point me in the right direction!

Thanks, Graham

[the city man]

my dear friend.

what you need to do is go to your local police station with your ID, and ask if there is anything registered under your name.
option 2 will be for you to apply for a criminal disclosure on line, this is very easy to do and it takes just over a week, i think it cost's around £20
look on google under disclosure scotland.

Good Luck

[Uber_Pimp]

Thanks very much for your reply. I will do as you have advised.


Just a thing though. If you are to be charged for any offence, that means you have to go to court and the judge makes a decision on whether you are yo be charged or not? Or are you charged before court but merely go there to be told this.
I have been thinking long and hard about this, and I seem to remember my lawyer I was appointed telling me it was "good news" as I was only getting a fine since I was going to uni and had career plans and it was a one off thing for me. Maybe Im just imagining that though. So thee question is, if I was charged, is that decided before court or at court? I hope it is the latter, then maybe my memories are true afterall

[the city man]

when you are arrested by the police you have to be charged with an offence or they will give you a caution and let you go!
when they sent you to court is because they want you to be convicted of the charge they give you in the first instance, however is down to the judge to decide your future, it sounds like to me that you only got a fine and not a criminal record.disclosurescotland.co.ukapply on this site and you will find out your record. good luck and dont stress about it untill you get the results back!!!wc