Toronto Pardons Lawyer - Experienced Criminal Lawyers Toronto

Pardons

If a person has been found guilty of any criminal offence, they may be eligible to apply for what is now called a Record Suspension after a certain period of time. The types of charges, the sentences the person received and the dates they were sentenced are all key factors in determining whether a person would qualify or not.

Approximately 10% of Canadians have criminal records.

An individual who receives a conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada will receive a criminal record. This record is held until the individual reaches 80, or sometimes 100 years old.

Employers, community agencies and educational institutions are all entitled to request record checks. This impacts prospective employees, volunteers and students. Therefore even after one has served a prison term, a criminal record may continue to have negative ripple effects on one's life.

What is a Pardon?

A pardon, now known as a "record suspension", provides an individual with a criminal conviction an opportunity, after the passage of a set amount of time to have their criminal record suspended and removed.

The Parole Board of Canada is the authority that oversees the suspension of criminal records. If an application to the Parole Board is approved, an individual with a criminal record receives a fresh start, so to speak. However, the Parole Board reserves the right to cancel, refuse or revoke record suspensions under federal law.

When can one apply for a Pardon?

The following criterion must be met before an individual may submit an application for a record suspicion:

Completed all sentences of imprisonment, including paid all fines and restitution orders in full; and
Abided by the waiting period for the completion of all sentences. The waiting period is as follows:
- 5 years for a summary offence
- 10 years for an indictable offence

Applying for a Pardon "Record Suspension"

Although one does not need a lawyer or other representative to apply for a record suspension, navigating the parole process is complex. Often, cases before the Parole Board of Canada take a number of years to be completed. Even then, there is no guarantee. Receiving a record of suspension is an arduous process with many stipulations regarding the applicant's eligibility.

If you wish to receive a record suspension to regain employment and full travel eligibility, we encourage you to contact us at (416) 924-5969.

Caramanna, Friedberg LLP can help guide you through the winding process, increasing your chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is A Pardon?

A pardon, now known as a record suspension, provides an individual with a criminal conviction an opportunity, after the passage of a set amount of time to have their criminal record suspended and removed.The types of charges, the sentences the person received and the dates they were sentenced are all key factors in determining whether a person would qualify or not.

2. How Do You Answer Questions on a Record Suspension Application?

In assessing whether a record suspension should be granted, the Parole Board of Canada will assess the circumstances of the offence(s) committed, how the individual has changed their life since committing the offence, and why it would be a benefit for the individual to obtain a record suspension. It is critical that you answer all questions honestly.

3. How Do You Answer Questions on a Record Suspension Application?

4. How Do You Get A Record Suspension?

Those wishing to get a record suspension must apply to the Parole Board of Canada. There are numerous forms that need to be obtained, including documents from the court you were sentenced at, a police record check, and other documents filled out by the client with extensive background information.

5. How Do You Get A Record Suspension?

6. How Does A Record Suspension Work In Canada?

Once you receive a record suspension, your criminal record is sealed and removed from the main repository of RCMP records, as well as from the police station and courthouse.

It is important to note:

A record suspension does not guarantee entry into another country. There is no way to know how each country will treat a pardoned offence
If you were convicted of a sexual offence and received a record suspension, these records are flagged in CPIC (the Canadian Police Information Centre), such that if someone does a Vulnerable Sectors Check, it will come up.

7. How Does A Record Suspension Work In Canada?

Once you receive a record suspension, your criminal record is sealed and removed from the main repository of RCMP records, as well as from the police station and courthouse.

It is important to note:

A record suspension does not guarantee entry into another country. There is no way to know how each country will treat a pardoned offence
If you were convicted of a sexual offence and received a record suspension, these records are flagged in CPIC (the Canadian Police Information Centre), such that if someone does a Vulnerable Sectors Check, it will come up.

8. How Long Does it Take to Receive a Record Suspension?

According to the Parole Board of Canada, the approximate wait time to receive a response from the Parole Board of Canada is 6 months for summary conviction offences and up to 12 months for indictable offences. The process will take longer if the Parole Board notifies the applicant that they intend to refuse the application, as the applicant will often be giving an opportunity to provide further details as requested. View More

9. How Much Does It Cost To Get A Pardon In Canada?

As of January 1, 2022, the fee to apply for a record suspension is $50.00.

There may also be costs associated with obtaining a police record check or fingerprinting.

10. What Is The Fastest Way To Get A Pardon In Canada?

If you wish to receive a record suspension in a timely manner, it is best to retain a lawyer to guide you through the process and increase your chances of approval.

Pardons Lawyer Toronto