Spent Convictions & Record Clearance

General information only — not legal advice. Penalties and section numbers change; speak with us about your specific circumstances. Call (02) 6210 1075.

How Andrew Byrnes Law Group Can Help

While the spent convictions process in the ACT is automatic, many people are unsure whether their conviction qualifies, how to check, or what to do if a spent conviction continues to appear on background checks. Our services include:

• Advice on whether your conviction is eligible to be spent under ACT law
• Assistance with police record checks and interpreting the results
• Advice for APS employees on the interaction between spent convictions and security clearance vetting
• Representation in discrimination matters where an employer or organisation has improperly relied on a spent conviction
• Sentencing advocacy aimed at achieving outcomes that maximise eligibility for spent conviction status (e.g. seeking sentences under 6 months)

For Current Criminal Matters

If you are currently facing charges, our lawyers consider spent conviction eligibility as part of the sentencing strategy. Wherever possible, we advocate for sentencing outcomes that will allow the conviction to become spent — for example, seeking a sentence of imprisonment of 6 months or less, or a non-custodial order, rather than a longer term that would permanently exclude the conviction from the scheme.

Serving Canberra and Surrounding Regions

Andrew Byrnes Law Group advises clients on criminal records and spent convictions across Canberra, Queanbeyan, Yass, Goulburn, and surrounding regions. Contact us on (02) 6210 1075.

Important — not legal advice

This page provides general information about ACT criminal law. It is not legal advice and must not be relied on as such. Laws, penalties, and section numbers change, and how the law applies depends on your specific circumstances. For advice tailored to your situation, contact Andrew Byrnes Law Group on (02) 6210 1075 or via our contact page.