Criminal Pardon

 

 

General Information and Facts

 

The National Parole Board of Canada (NPBC) allows individuals who have been convicted of an offence to remove their criminal record from federal databases.  This process is called a pardon.  It ‘hides’ an individual’s criminal record, and is an acknowledgement from the NPBC that a person has been rehabilitated and is leading a crime-free lifestyle. 

 

There are numerous benefits associated with obtaining a pardon.  The apparent benefits include: marketability in the workforce; protection from discrimination that is commonly associated with applying for a job; and the ability to pursue activities that previously limited an individual because of their criminal record (e.g. volunteering, education, child custody, adopting, and so forth).  Other benefits include removal of stigma, an increase in confidence, and the peace of mind that you are no longer a prisoner to your past.   

 

Listed below are some important facts regarding criminal records and pardons:

  • - Criminal record checks are common practice by employers.  Many employers have discriminatory hiring policies with regards to individuals who have criminal records. 
  • - Anyone convicted of a crime has a criminal record.
  • - A formal request must be made according to the Criminal Records Act of Canada to have a record removed from the federal database.
  • - Once a pardon is approved, the criminal record is ‘hidden’ from the public. Employers will be unaware of a criminal record when consulting federal databases. 

 

Eligibility

 

The National Parole Board of Canada requires individuals to have fulfilled certain conditions before submission of an application.  The first condition is that an individual has completed their sentence(s), and the second condition is that the appropriate waiting period has been observed after completion of the sentence(s). 

           

Requirement 1- Sentence completion:

  • Fines, costs, restitution and compensation orders, and surcharges have been paid;
  • The individual has served their time as outlined in their sentence; and
  • The individual has completed the probation order successfully.
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Requirement 2- Waiting period after sentence completion:

Canadian Criminal Code and other federal statutes:

  • Summary convictions require a 3 year waiting period
  • Indictable convictions require a 5 year waiting period

If you think you are not eligible, contact us.  Certain parts of your file can be started early and this will significantly reduce the amount of time you will have to wait for a Pardon.  If your file is compiled early we will be able to submit it as soon as you are eligible.    

 

Process

 

CCPS takes a proactive stance in initiating your Pardon file application.  We understand the value of time and the critical importance attached to obtaining a Pardon as early as possible.  As soon as you have given us permission to act on your behalf, CCPS will take the necessary steps to ensure all your documentation is prepared and meets the requirements of the National Parole Board of Canada.  CCPS will contact all relevant courts, police agencies, and other government departments -depending on your case- to make sure that your file is compiled correctly. 

 

After submission of your documents with the appropriate details as required by the NPBC, we will continue to update you of any developments in your case.  Generally, individuals who are considered to be of good conduct and meet all requirements set out by the NPBC will be granted a Pardon. 

 

Throughout the process we provide free consultations. Our experienced professionals are on stand-by to answer all pertinent questions regarding your file.  We encourage you to contact us about the application process.