What is counted as a criminal record?

A criminal record can include: details of any offence you have admitted doing, an. any offence you have been found guilty of.

How long does a criminal record last in South Africa?

10 years
a period of 10 years has passed after the date of the conviction for that offence. you have not been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine during those 10 years.

How long do you have to report a theft in South Africa?

If someone close to you is missing, you should report it to the police. You don’t need to wait 24 hours, report it as soon as you know they’re missing.

How can I clear my criminal record in South Africa?

You must first obtain a Police Clearance Certificate from the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service. Then complete the application for expungement and attach all necessary documentation together with the clearance certificate. You can either post or deliver by hand.

What happens if you are found guilty of theft?

Criminal theft crimes are prosecuted by the state. If found guilty of theft, a person may receive prison time, fines, or community service as punishment. Civil theft is a tort based on the intentional taking of another person’s property.

What is the difference between criminal theft and civil theft?

Civil theft refers to a tort, and is based on the intentional taking of another person’s property. Whereas criminal theft is prosecuted by the state, any injured citizen may file a lawsuit for a tort. Civil tort law addresses breaches of civil duty, rather than a contractual or general society duty.

Where can I find the sentencing guidelines for theft?

See the separate Legal Guidance on the Fraud Act 2006. Sentencing guidelines for theft have been issued by the Sentencing Council. Theft can cover a wide range of financial harm, from something as minor as stealing a paperclip to theft of goods worth millions of pounds.

What happens if a suspect is arrested then released without charges?

If the suspect is arrested then released without charges being filed, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re home free. Police can continue to investigate and might arrest the individual again if they believe they have stronger evidence at a later point in time.