finding out about a conviction

[tj12345]

I know my father has been to prison about 10 years ago. When I asked him he tells me it was nothing to worry about. I assumed it was something petty but a few months ago I had have some people tell me you should ask your dad why he really was sent to prison for. I told him about this and he told me it was a fight he had. for some reason I am doubting him and wanted to know is there anyway I can find out what it actually was what he got send to prison for.

[Ethel]

There is no easy way - you have no 'right' to the information from official sources.

If you know the rough date of the conviction, and have a few hours to spare, you could trawl through the old local newspapers at your nearest archive library.

You could ask family or neighbours, but they may not tell you the truth.

Best thing is to try and get your dad to talk about it. But if he doesn't want to - there is not a lot you can do.

[tj12345]

it was about 10 years ago (1997 winter time) . how would i find this in the archive library? do they hold all court records in the library? thanks

[NORMANTHEDOG]

why do you need to know,its a part of his life he does not want brought up again,leave it alone it could cause a lot of problems.

[Ethel]

If you live near a large library, all the local newspapers will be kept on microfiche.

If it was reported in the newspapers, you will find it - but it will take time.

It is human nature to be curious about one's parents and their past - I can understand you wanting to find out.

[huskerbabe]

I'm from Nebraska, and we have public record to who is in prison and why. It's on a website. You can type in an inmates name, and they tell you what they were sentenced to, and when their sentence started, next parol hearing, and expected date of release.

[tj12345]

I have just come back from the local archive library and I could not find this in the newspaper so I assume it never made it to the papers. Also the court records kept there were historical and therefore it won�t be in them either. Is there any other way I can get this court record. Can court records be obtained from the court going back 10 years? Thanks

[recneyes]

does it really matter what he did? he is still your father and always will be.why bring up old news...let it go and accept he made a mistake in his lfe....maybe when the time is right he will tell you.does it really concern you?

[tj12345]

Yes it really does concern me. I do not want to ask him again as it will be awkward and want to find this myself so it all can be put behind. the quicker the better I think

[chitchat]

I think you are making a mistake by trying to pursue this. Your Dad obviously isnt ready to talk about it. Is it really any of your business? Are you prepared to face the consequences from your dad/family for going into this behind his back? And finally you should ask yourself is knowing what happened going to make your life better or worse? I suspect the latter.

I know its hard when all you want is some answers but this isn't just about what you want, you should leave the can of worms you are trying to open well and truly shut.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

he might NEVER forgive you for it you know,LEAVE IT ALONE AND STOP BEING A PRAT.

[almcd007]

I'd only want to know if it was for abusing children and I had kids myself or something of a similar ilk.

He may be very embarassed about whatever it is. It would be a lot easier if he just told you the truth - he must know you are very concerned. How long did he serve ? It more than likely was not his first offence for something similar.

[munchie63]

How long was his sentence ?

If it was a short-term , then, hopefully it wasn't a 'bad', or serious crime.
He obviously wants to keep it in his past. I can understand your curiosity, but....does he act agressively to others, bully people, use drugs, hurt people, hassle women ?
It could well be a driving offence he's embarrased about, and wants to move on.
More harm than good will come for this.

[tj12345]

it was for 2 years but he spent a year inside

[littlemiss74]

try www.courtel.co.uk xx