Criminal History.Wanting to apply for a passport

[bustertilly10]

I am a 41yr old female,who has a crimminal record in NSW and WA,I have not been in any trouble since I was 27yrs old.I would like to apply for a passport to holiday in Scotland for 3wks.Can anyone please advise me if Im wasting my time applying.

The NSW records is from when I was 18yrs to 27yrs.All these matters have been dealt with.Except one small stealing charge that came to the total of $33 when I was 27yrs old.Because I moved states I never turned up for court and now have 6 outstanding warrents in NSW all for this one charge.

In WA I also have 2 outstanding warrents for failing to appear on a also small charge,from when I was also 27yrs old.I have lived in Qld since then and have not been in trouble since.

I have been told that to have these matters dealt with I have to go back to the state in question and can not have them dealt with here in Qld.I know I will never go back to WA.So how do I get a passport?

 

[opusman]

This is a frequent flyer forum, not a legal advice forum.

 

[nlagalle]

Hi Bustertilly and welcome to AFF.

I don't think you past record will prevent you from obtaining a passport, but it may have an effect on what countries you want to visit.

I'd suggest looking on the smart traveller website it may have some information.

 

[GT351]

The passport may not be the problem the visa might


from the net
http://www.theshopfront.org/documents/ConvictionsCriminalRecords.pdf

re the uk


If you are a holiday or business visitor travelling on an Australian passport
and you intend to stay in Britain for less than 6 months, you will not
normally need a visa (ie entry clearance) unless you have been previously​

refused entry. Convictions might be grounds for refusal of entry.

You should sort out your troubles as well as the passport. just friendly advice

 

[Egg]

This is a frequent flyer forum, not a legal advice forum.

Was this contribution really necessary? The question was perfectly valid and it is fortunate that others have been gracious enough to offer their assistance to the OP.

 

[opusman]

Was this contribution really necessary? The question was perfectly valid and it is fortunate that others have been gracious enough to offer their assistance to the OP.

Maybe I was blunt, but I think my advice was perfectly valid as well. This ISN'T a forum filled with legal experts. Who's to say the OP won't be arrested when trying to leave Australia because of her outstanding arrest warrants? Would you like to guarantee that they'll be ok?

Simply because someone's question has something vaguely to do with getting on a plane does not necessarily make this the most sensible place to ask it.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Like all advice it is always advisable to test it with experts! Goes without saying I would have thought.

 

[JohnPhelan]

I think the biggest danger is being refused permission to depart at Immigration when trying to depart Australia, given the outstanding warrants.

 

[bustertilly10]

Thank you for all replying,and sorry that I upset some.I was only looking for advice.I contacted my local police today and they have have informed me that I can apply for the warrants to be" Spent" meaning quashed as I have been out of trouble for more than ten years.So I will be applying to do this,they did say that it still may not be enough to obtain passport and to travel,but its worth a shot.I will let you know how I go.
Thanks All for the advice.Much appricated.

 

[NYCguy]

Thank you for all replying,and sorry that I upset some.I was only looking for advice.I contacted my local police today and they have have informed me that I can apply for the warrants to be" Spent" meaning quashed as I have been out of trouble for more than ten years.So I will be applying to do this,they did say that it still may not be enough to obtain passport and to travel,but its worth a shot.I will let you know how I go.
Thanks All for the advice.Much appricated.

I would strongly suggest that you invest some time and money and hire a lawyer to confirm what the Police told you about the outstanding warrants. Sounds like it may be money well-spent if you can put your mind at rest.

As others have said, getting the passport should be no problem. I really can't remember if there was a character-test component to the passport application, they are mainly interested in proof-of-ID stuff.

Naturally, though, when you travel to other countries you will be subject to their tests of character before you're allowed across the border. If one has indiscretions in one's past, it is better to declare them before you go - apply for a visa in advance. If you get the visa, buy your non-refundable tickets with confidence. If not, you may be disappointed, but it would be much worse to be denied entry at LHR, spend the whole day in a windowless box with fluoro lights, and be sent back home that evening.