How long do criminal records stay on file?

According to Bright Knowledge, information that is added to a criminal record stays on file until the person's 100th birthday. If a person is not considered a serious risk, information collected by the police that didn't lead to conviction may be removed after six years.

The information present in a criminal record often affects a person's ability to gain employment, since many employers inquire about criminal history, explains Bright Knowledge. It's possible for a person to learn what information is on his record by submitting a written request to their local police department, providing proof of identification and paying a small records fee.