FLR (BID) - Criminal Offence question

[Travelbug]

Last minute panic on this, not quite sure how to handle it.

I was convicted for Drink Driving back in Australia 6 years ago, I received a fine and had my license suspended. I was only just over the limit (it was under 0.07 BAC) so it was not serious, but I did not realise this was classed as a criminal offence for immigration purposes per say and consequently it appears I need to disclose the incident on the FLR form under Section 6.1, despite never having brought the issue up in 6 years..

Problem is, I have none of the original details of the incident. I cannot recall the exact dates or penalties. I could take an educated guess but I don't want to appear that I am distorting the truth! I have contacted my lawyer and they have destroyed the files because they were old. The other option could be apply for a criminal record history from Queensland Police. There will be a fee involved and it is uncertain how long it will take. I need to submit my application by next Tuesday.

What should I do?

[Obie]

Might be spent.In which case, no need to mention.

[Travelbug]

Thank you very much for that lead.

It seems the period for spent Australian convictions is 10 years, however under British law it is 5 years according to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

My license suspension ended in 2006 which makes it more than 5 years ago.

So under Australian law it is unspent but under British law it is spent.

Any idea where that leaves me??

[Travelbug]

Please can anyone help?

What does an unspent conviction in Australia mean in the UK?