Pardons Lawyer Toronto

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Processing times for a record suspension application in Canada depend on the type of offence and the completeness of the application. Once accepted as eligible and complete by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC):

• Summary Offences: Processed within 6 months.
• Indictable Offences: Processed within 12 months.
• Proposed Refusal: May take up to 24 months, allowing time for the applicant to respond to the PBC's notification of intent to refuse.

To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete and includes all required documentation. Visit the Parole Board of Canada for detailed guidance.