How do you explain a police caution?

The police must explain this to you by reading you the police caution: “You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

What does it mean when a police officer cautions you?

A police caution (since 2005 more properly known as a simple caution) is a formal warning given by the police to anyone aged 10 years or over who has admitted that they are guilty of a minor crime. A person may refuse to admit guilt and not accept a caution, but can then be subject to criminal prosecution.

How long do Cautions stay on your record?

six years
Caution. If you admit an offence, the police can give you a caution. A caution is not a conviction. A caution is a warning which stays on your record for six years if you’re an adult, or two years if you’re under 18.

What do you need to know about police cautions?

Everything you need to know about police cautions Cautions (technically, “simple cautions”) are used by police to deal with low-level criminal offending, usually by first-time offenders. The caution is an ‘out of court disposal’. Use of a caution avoids the need to charge a person and initiate a prosecution, which is the route to a conviction.

How are cautions used in the criminal justice system?

Cautions (technically, “simple cautions”) are used by police to deal with low-level criminal offending, usually by first-time offenders. The caution is an ‘out of court disposal’. Use of a caution avoids the need to charge a person and initiate a prosecution, which is the route to a conviction.

Can a police officer give you a caution in Scotland?

The police or Crown Prosecution Service can give you a caution (warning) or a penalty notice if you commit a minor crime. The rules are different in Scotland.

What does caution mean in the English Dictionary?

‘Those urging caution note the failure of the euro to go above $1.30, despite ongoing market clatter about dollar weakness.’ British count noun An official or legal warning given to someone who has committed a minor offence but has not been charged, to the effect that further action will be taken if they commit another such offence.