Simple caution

A formal police warning for an admitted, usually minor offence, given instead of prosecution. It is not a conviction but goes on your record.

A simple caution is a formal warning given by police to someone aged 18 or over who admits a usually low-level offence, as an alternative to prosecution; youth cautions are the equivalent for under-18s. There must be enough evidence to prosecute, you must admit the offence, and you must agree to accept it. You can refuse, but police may then charge you. A caution is not a conviction, but it is recorded on the Police National Computer and can be mentioned in later court cases. It is spent immediately under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, yet it can appear on standard and enhanced DBS checks until filtered, normally after six years for adults unless the offence is on the specified list. Reforms passed in 2022 to replace cautions with new diversionary and community cautions are not yet in force. A solicitor can advise on whether to accept one.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.