Managing and clearing past criminal records is an important step in moving past your mistakes. Pardons Canada offers file destruction in Canada, focusing on helping individuals remove records of criminal charges that may affect their future.
Our service is essential for those seeking to ensure that were peace bond, stayed, absolute discharge or conditional discharge, charges that were dropped, dismissed, or acquitted of don’t hinder their travel, employment opportunities or personal privacy.
What is File Destruction?
File destruction is a legal process that involves the removal of a criminal record from national and local police databases in Canada. The process ensures the complete deletion of all records associated with the charge, including fingerprints, photographs, police reports, and court records. This thorough removal is essential to prevent any future disclosure or unintended consequences.
Why is File Destruction Important?
File destruction plays a crucial role in safeguarding your future by ensuring that past criminal charges that were peace bond, stayed, absolute discharge or conditional discharge, dropped, withdrawn, dismissed, or that you were acquitted of do not appear in searches. Despite the lack of a conviction, the presence of these charges in police records can have lingering effects.
- Travel and Immigration: For travel or immigration purposes, especially when travelling to countries with stringent entry requirements such as the United States, a cleared record can prevent complications or refusals at the border.
- Employment: Many employers conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process. Canadian record destruction ensures that past charges, even those that did not result in a conviction, do not unfairly influence employment prospects.
- Restoring Reputation: File destruction is often sought to restore a person’s reputation and privacy. Without it, even non-conviction records can lead to potential stigma and unjust treatment, especially in situations where background checks are conducted, such as for employment or volunteer opportunities.
Are You Eligible for a File Destruction?
Determining eligibility for file destruction is a nuanced process that varies depending on specific factors related to your legal history. Typically, eligibility is based on the nature of the charge and its final resolution in the legal system. Here are some considerations:
Type of Offence: Your eligibility for Canadian record destruction often depends on the type of offence charged. Generally, non-conviction records for lesser offences are more straightforward in terms of eligibility compared to more serious charges.
Time Since the Charge: There might be a required waiting period from the date the charges were withdrawn, dismissed, acquitted, peace bond, stayed, absolute discharged or conditionally discharged before you can apply for file destruction.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings: If there are any ongoing legal proceedings related to the charge, this may affect eligibility for file destruction.
File Destructions from Pardons Canada
Navigating the Canadian record destruction application process requires a thorough understanding of the steps involved and the necessary documentation for a positive result. With over 30 years of experience, Pardons Canada’s wealth of knowledge and track record of success make us a reliable choice for handling your file destruction needs. Here’s a breakdown of how Pardons Canada guides applicants through this process:
- Initial Consultation and Assessment: We begin with a confidential review of your case to assess eligibility, including examining charges and legal history.
- Gathering Required Documentation: Pardons Canada can help with the collection of essential legal documents and valid identification to verify your identity and connect it to your record.
- Application Preparation and Submission: We assist in accurately completing all application forms and submitting them to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
- Follow-up and Confirmation: We monitor the progress of your application and provide confirmation once the file destruction is approved and completed.
- Post-Application Support: Pardons Canada can provide ongoing support for any queries or additional requirements from authorities and guidance for future scenarios involving past charges.
- Appeals Process: In the event a file destruction is denied by the local police, Pardons Canada will endeavour to appeal the decision.
