A Pardon / Record Suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records. Pardons / Record Suspensions are issued by the Federal Government of Canada. This means that any search of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) will not show that you had a criminal record, or that you were issued a Pardon / Record Suspension.
Is a Pardon / Record Suspension Right for Me?
Pardon / Record Suspension Details
To prepare the Pardon / Record Suspension application, many documents must be collected. Acquiring the proper supporting documents takes time, therefore, it is a good idea to start preparing the application well in advance of your eligibility date. In fact, most people cannot even determine what their eligibility date is until after they have acquired RCMP reports and relevant court documents.
Our Pardon / Record Suspension Services
Pardons Canada can undertake all necessary steps and procedures for removing you criminal record, including Pardons / Record Suspensions and File Destructions.
We promote positive behaviour by giving people hope. Many people have made regrettable mistakes. Those who are no longer involved in criminal activity have a real opportunity to make a fresh start and a positive change in their lives. By removing criminal records, we help lift the stigma and shame associated with a criminal past, allowing people to feel that they belong in our society again. People who feel part of a community make better parents, citizens, and neighbours.
Apply Now
It is easy for us to help you. We will track and collect your fingerprints, along with all police and court records. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, the end result is that your criminal record will be cleared and you will receive proof in writing.
Criminal Record Suspension Application
A Record Suspension, formerly known as pardons, grants the ability for a person’s convictions to be hidden on standard criminal record checks.
Having a criminal record can hold you back well after you’ve finished paying for your crimes. They can hinder your career, travel plans, coaching, volunteering and more. Freedom from these restraints can be obtained with a criminal record pardon or record suspension.
Canada has a long history of forgiving those of wrong-doing in the past, who have proven themselves to be law abiding citizens of today. Expunging a criminal record grants access again to doors that were once closed for you, allowing you to freely travel, apply for jobs, volunteer and coaching. Do you think you might be a candidate for our services? Contact Pardons Canada, and get your life back on track.
Pardons Canada has the experience and expertise required to help aid your criminal record suspension application, and will do it fast and without error. Pardons Canada has helped remove criminal records for thousands of Canadians just like you over the past 20 years. In fact, one in eight Canadians have a criminal record. It’s important to remember you are not alone, and we’re here to help you. Contact us any time for free consultations, updates on your file, or general inquiries.
Criminal Record Pardon – Canada Guidelines
A criminal record suspension application is the first step into letting go of your criminal past. First, you should be aware of the current waiting times to apply to remove criminal records from your past;
Summary convictions: a criminal act that is considered less serious, punishable by smaller fines and shorter jail sentences. The current waiting time for criminal record clearance is 5 years from the end of your punishment.
Indictable convictions: Most serious of criminal offences, which include drug trafficking, armed robbery and sexual assault. The current waiting time for criminal record clearance is 10 years from the end of your punishment.
It should be noted that if you are a convicted sex offender, the Criminal Record Act lists sexual offences in Schedule 1. To remove criminal records of sex offenders, your name will still be flagged by Canadian Police Information Centre, however, your record will be kept ‘separate and apart’. If you were to apply for a job or volunteer working with vulnerable groups such as children, seniors or people with a disability, your record will still be flagged.
If you have been convicted of a sexual assault of a minor, you cannot receive a criminal record clearance.
If you have had more than three indictable offence convictions for which you received a prison sentence of two years or more for each, you are not eligible for a pardon.
To further along the criminal record suspension application, you must first be in ‘good conduct’ since your last sentence ended, meaning you have not committed a crime since, and that you’ve paid all outstanding government fees, including traffic tickets.
The Barriers to Remove Criminal Records
A criminal record suspension application may seem like a daunting task. Tough new laws put in place by the Canadian Government resulted in an increase of confusion, errors and, ultimately, rejection from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC).
In a recent report by CBC, 90% of respondents in a survey agreed that the $631 criminal record suspension application fee was a ‘significant’ barrier. According to the most recent Public Safety Canada report (2016) of the 3.8 million Canadians have a criminal record, of which nearly 90% have yet to start the criminal record removal process.
Perhaps, the most difficult and significant problem for individuals with criminal records are employment opportunities. More often now than ever, employers will seek a criminal background check as part of the hiring process. Employers can simply decline to hire individuals with criminal records and applicants with records can be immediately disqualified. For many other jobs, while it may be possible to apply with a criminal record, it could be a considerable disadvantage. Even if the person lands a job, many employers will require that employees be insured and bonded, especially if they’re working with sensitive data, money, or working with the vulnerable (children, elderly and people with disabilities.)
When filling out an application for an apartment or house, many landlords require criminal background checks on prospective tenants. Without the start of a criminal record suspension application and final approval of the PBC, it makes it difficult to find adequate housing and criminal activity becomes that much more enticing.
We’re Here To Help
At Pardons Canada, we encourage you to follow the thousands of others who have started to remove criminal records from their past. You have the ability to process your criminal record suspension application yourself, however, it may end up costing you more due to the complicated legal outlines within the documents, a language barrier, or simply the lack of knowledge on how to fill out the forms properly for the Parole Board of Canada to accept your criminal record suspension application. That’s where we step in. We’ll be your trusted advisor throughout the process, helping to simplify the process and answer your questions along the way.
It’s Time for a Fresh Start
Call Pardons Canada to begin your journey to a burden-free future. Step out of the shadow that your past criminal record has created. Our team of criminal record suspension experts are happy to help you determine your eligibility for a pardon, and begin your process for you. You have the right to complete confidentiality from start to finish with our pardons (record suspension) process.
Contact us by phone at 877-929-6011, contact us by email or if you’re in Toronto visit our walk-in centre at 45 St.Clair W, Ste 901. Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM