I’m hoping someone can give me some legal advice and hope. I want to re enter the workforce after 5 years out of the corporate world however 18 months ago I was convicted of Common Assault - dv related and given a Section 9 (1) good behaviour bond for 6 months (no previous police interactions and judge recognised provocation).
Now before anyone leaps in here. I am sorry, very sorry. I retaliated to a horrible situation and I am not proud. Secondly a friend did tell me at the time to appeal it but to be honest I was so ashamed and unwell I couldn’t face it.
Anyways now I’m petrified because I’m a single mum trying to get stable employment and of course many places request a police check and common assault is deemed an unemployable offence in my field of work. I cant seem to work out if because my bond term is now expired my conviction is spent or if it will remain for 10 years. Can I appeal it? Is there anyway I can do?
I do have a current WWCC which I obtained since the offence, no issues.
Criminal record
Criminal record
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Life Lessons
7 Replies
It will still be in your record
I believe it will still be in your police check.
My husband had a very minor traffic violation years ago, it's still on his police check!
Don't be discouraged though. A crazy woman I know has a wrap sheet a mile long full of assaults amogst other things, she has no trouble finding work and she works with very vulnerable people in the disability industry (which scares the bejezzus out of me)!
Probably had the job before and had never reported it.
It'll come up on a crim history. You'll have trouble getting a job in government section.
My best friend was convicted of drug and assault offenses 8 years ago and was jailed for 2 years. Upon release she enrolled in UNI and completed a four year youth services course. She's now employed as state manager and has a $2.5k a week income. They know her criminal history. There is always hope.
Hello, firstly, it really helps to be absolutely honestly upfront from the start with any potential employer. I have been able to secure employment for the people I supervise as a Probation Officer. Importantly you need to get the offence and the reason you did it clear in your own mind. Maybe get a pen and paper, write down the offence, the circumstances leading to it, and importantly what you have done since, any changes you have made, to ensure the same doesn't happen again. Some have had a huge success with writing covering letters offering an explanation.
Many, many people are willing to give people a second chance. Yes it will be tougher to get another job, but not impossible, you might have to be flexible in the choices you have.
I hope this helps & Good Luck!
If your employer does criminal checks, it will come up. I work for NSW health in HR, and if something comes up for potential employee, we interview them. We invite them to a meeting, tell them something has come up and they are invited to let us know the details. If the person is honest, and it is something that we deem fits our criteria (time served, remorse, severity of incident, circumstances and so on) we recommend they are employed. So realistically, you would have a good chance in the public service if your offence and everything is what you have said it is. Good luck!