A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an important document that provides proof of your criminal record status. It’s commonly required when applying for jobs, visas, or emigration. But one question often arises: Do arrests show on a PCC?
The answer depends on the outcome of the arrest, as well as whether any convictions were made. If you do have a criminal record, then the friendly experts at Doc Assist are on hand to guide you through the process of having your record expunged and then applying for a clean PCC.
As professionals who deal with PCC applications on a daily basis, this is an awesome team to have on your side as you negotiate clearing your slate for a fresh start to your future!
Do Arrests Show on a PCC?
A PCC in South Africa reflects the individual’s criminal history as recorded by the SAPS Criminal Record Centre (CRC) and Crime Scene Management (CSM) departments in Pretoria.
It is not merely a record of arrests, but rather a document showing convictions that have resulted from legal proceedings.
Here’s a breakdown of what might appear on your PCC:
- Criminal Convictions: If you’ve been arrested, charged, and found guilty of a crime, that conviction will appear on your PCC. The document will list the offense, the date of conviction, and possibly the sentence you received.
- No Convictions: If you’ve been arrested but the charges were dropped, or if you were found not guilty, the arrest will not show on your PCC. A PCC only reflects convictions, not arrests or pending cases.
What Happens If You Have a Criminal Record?
If your PCC reveals a criminal record, it can impact your future prospects, such as securing employment or obtaining a visa. However, having a criminal record doesn’t necessarily mean you’re permanently stuck with it. In some cases, you may be eligible for expungement.
What is Expungement of a Criminal Record?
Expungement is the legal process of erasing a criminal record from public databases, effectively giving you a clean slate. Once your criminal record is expunged, the conviction is removed from your PCC, meaning it will no longer show up when you apply for jobs, travel, or relocate.
To qualify for expungement in South Africa, certain criteria must be met:
- The offense must be at least 10 years old.
- You must not have been convicted of any other crimes during this 10-year period.
- The crime must not have been a serious offense such as murder, rape, or child abuse.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply to have your record expunged.
How Doc Assist Can Help with Expungement and a Clean PCC
If your criminal record is affecting your future plans, Doc Assist can help. The team of professionals at Doc Assist specializes in criminal record expungement, helping you clear your record and obtain a clean PCC.
Here’s how they can assist you:
- Evaluate Eligibility: Doc Assist will first determine whether your criminal record qualifies for expungement. If you meet the criteria, they’ll guide you through the necessary paperwork and legal steps.
- Manage the Expungement Process: The expungement process can be time-consuming and complex. Doc Assist handles everything for you, ensuring that your application is processed correctly and efficiently.
- Apply for a Clean PCC: Once your criminal record has been expunged, Doc Assist will assist in applying for a new, clean Police Clearance Certificate. This means that the previous conviction will no longer show on your PCC, giving you a fresh start.
Why Choose Doc Assist?
The team at Doc Assist understands that mistakes in the past shouldn’t define your future; they are dedicated to providing professional, personalised assistance to help you through the expungement process.
By helping you clear your criminal record and apply for a clean PCC, this team helps make sure that your opportunities for employment, travel, or emigration are not hindered by past mistakes.
Let Doc Assist guide you through this process, giving you the fresh start you deserve.