This video is about the options to keep a clean record if you are charged with a criminal offence. It includes not guilty hearings, the charge being withdrawn, diversion, and discharge without conviction.

Keeping a Clean Record in New Zealand Law

Having a criminal conviction can complicate your life in ways you might not anticipate until it happens. Therefore, it's a common concern for individuals facing a criminal charge to explore options for keeping their record clean.

Ways to Keep a Clean Record

There are several ways to keep a clean record in New Zealand law:

  1. Winning the Case: The first and most obvious way is to plead not guilty and win the case. This could happen if the police withdraw the case against you, or if you're found not guilty by a judge or jury. However, this can be a long, expensive process and requires a lot of skill to win the case.

  2. Diversion: The diversion scheme is a police-operated program that aims to keep first offenders with minor charges from having a criminal record. However, it's important to note that you cannot get diversion for drink-driving or dangerous driving offences.

  3. Discharge Without Conviction: This is when a judge determines that the seriousness of the conviction outweighs the seriousness of the offence, and they don't enter it against your record. This process requires a lot of paperwork and compelling arguments to convince the judge.

Reach Out for Help

If you're facing a criminal charge and want to try to keep a clean record, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. You can Phone me on 021488367 or 0800 BUSTED (0800287833) or email me. I'm here to help you navigate this process and explore your options.

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