If you do have a conviction on record, you could be denied a job, the ability to rent certain properties, and the ability to travel across borders. This is why those with convictions wish to be rid of them. The idea of one mistake long ago haunting the rest of your life is a discouraging thought. 

Some may believe that in time, convictions will just disappear. While in some cases this can happen, there are many factors that are tied to those cases. 

With all of this in mind, if you have a conviction, how long will it follow you? 

How Long do Convictions Last

If an adult over the age of 18 has a conviction, the conviction isn’t permanent but it will last for up to 80 years before being removed from their record. In more severe cases the waiting time can be as long as 100 years. 

Although convictions aren’t permanent, they can, more often than not, outlive the convicted and in cases when the convicted outlasts the conviction, it is most likely no longer of use to them. 

Young Offenders

If you’re under the age of 18 when you were convicted, you could have the conviction wiped from your record following an access period. After the access period attached to the young offender’s conviction has ended, the conviction is taken off of their record without the need of a pardon. This is due to the court systems being much more lenient on young offenders. 

However, if the young offender commits any further crimes the access period is lengthened. Also, if during the access period the young offender turns 18 and commits another offence, all of their youth convictions turn into adult convictions and they will require a pardon.  

Pardons

A distinction must be made when talking about erasing a criminal conviction. With pardons, the conviction is only sealed away. While the conviction will not be visible to employers or landlords, it will still be visible to the government and can be accessed under specific circumstances. Also, if the conviction was a sexual offence, the conviction will be suspended but the convicted may still come up in certain searches.  

When you have a criminal record, it can really put a damper on the rest of your life. Renting property, travelling, finding jobs and more will be made more difficult when you have a criminal record. While convictions do have an expiration date, it is more than likely that when that date comes, it will no longer be of use to the convicted.

Luckily, there is always the option of a pardon. While pardons don’t entirely remove convictions from government records, they will conceal them from the public, allowing you to live without your criminal record weighing you down.  

If you have a criminal record and it is affecting your day to day life; a pardon is the best solution. Contact Pardon Canada at 1 (800) 543-2137 for professional assistance and expert advice.

The post Pardons in Canada: Do Convictions Ever Expire? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

While driving impaired is quite a serious matter, should it really follow you for the rest of your life? Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions can put a lot of strain on your life and make things like finding work or renting an apartment more difficult. You will naturally want to put the whole ordeal behind you and move on with your life.

If this sounds like your situation and you want to leave your DUI in the past, a DUI pardon is the best solution. Obtaining a pardon for a DUI can be a rather difficult process, but a record-free life is worth the effort. If you’re interested in obtaining a DUI pardon here is everything you need to know!

How Long Does it Take to Get a DUI Pardon?

Because DUIs are considered a summary offence (less serious offences) in Canada, you have to wait 5 years after you have paid your fines connected to the DUI to apply for a pardon. This is why you should pay your fines as quickly as you can so the timeline for obtaining a pardon is shortened. You should also start gathering the necessary files earlier than the end of the 5 year make due to the preparation of all of the paperwork taking between 12 to 20 months.

After you have submitted your properly filled paperwork there is no concrete amount of time for when you will receive your pardon. The timeline for getting a DUI pardon is different in each case, it can take an average of 12-24 months, while some can be done within 6 months or less.

Getting a DUI Pardon

Like most charges, obtaining a pardon and removing a charge from your criminal record will require the help of a pardons and waivers service. Before you get in touch with a pardons and waivers service, there are 3 conditions you have to meet.

The first condition is to have completed your sentence. This includes paying your fines/surcharges and completion of your probation or parole.

The second condition is waiting for 5 years after you’ve paid your fines and completed your sentence, as mentioned previously.

The third condition is that you had been on good behaviour and had not received any new convictions or offences.

If you have met all of these conditions, there is a good chance you will be granted a pardon and have the DUI removed from your record.

Why Get a DUI Pardon?

If you have a DUI but are not sure if you should really go through with the process, it’s important to take into consideration everything that can be made difficult if you have a criminal record. With a record, you will find it hard to get a good job, rent a home or apartment, foster and adopt a child and much more!

Even if you have yet to run into any obstacles because of your criminal record, there is a good chance you will in the future. It is best to get your record exonerated as soon as possible so you aren’t stopped from taking advantage of great opportunities.

Getting a pardon will remove the DUI from your criminal record and allow you to live your life without restrictions.

If you already have a DUI charge and it is affecting your day to day life; a DUI pardon is the best solution. Contact Pardon Canada at 1 (800) 543-2137 for professional assistance and expert advice.

The post Everything You Need to Know About DUI Pardons appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

Renting a home
If you want to rent a home, you can be sure that the landlord will run a background and criminal record check. Your past is bound to come up, and it could mean that the perfect home could easily slip through your fingers. If your offence was minor or a really long time ago, you might be able to convince the landlord otherwise. However, the best way to get around this is by obtaining a waiver or pardon.

Teaching
If you are pursuing a career in education of any sort, you will be held to very high standards. This means that any kind of criminal record can leave you out of the running for any teaching job. Since teachers are in a position where they are trusted to shape the minds and lives of their students, it stands to reason that schools want nothing but the best and will require a criminal record check.

Medicine
Serious crimes and any kind of drug-related offences are red flags for employers in the medical sector. Drug offences, for example, will make employees wonder whether or not they should trust you with access to so many addictive substances. As for violent crimes, this can also be a warning for employers since you are trusted to treat and care for your patients.

Childcare
Any kind of job that involves kids will require a clean record. If you want to care for children, you will need to undergo a background or criminal record check in order to obtain your license. Since this industry is so competitive, every advantage and disadvantage counts.

Handling money
There’s a substantial amount of trust involved in any job that requires the handling of cash. If the employer notices a candidate with any kind of record, this will have an effect on their eligibility for the position. Particularly if your offence was financially motivated.

Business bond
For some, the prospect of not being able to get a job leads them to believe that it would be easier to start their own company. Getting a bond for your business, however, is not without its fair share of hurdles and it can be incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to get the money you need to start things up.

Volunteering
This may not apply to all volunteer work, but if you are working alone with the person you are assisting, or if you have access to their home, a criminal record check may be necessary. Working in the local soup kitchen and similar volunteer services may not necessarily require a spotless record, but it doesn’t hurt.

Government or police work
Government officials regularly come under fire when they make even the smallest of mistakes. This means that a criminal record can ruin your career before it really ever has a chance to take off. Even if your record is not related to your job description, the public and other government officials will make it their business to inflate the truth. As for law enforcement, even a minor offence can keep you off the force. Before you apply, make sure that you clear the slate first.

The good news is that all hope is not lost and there is a way to get your life back on track. A waiver or pardon will help give you the chance you need to start again, and your dreams will be within reach once again. Call 1 (800) 543-2137 for professional assistance with Canadian federal pardons and waivers.

The post Pardons in Canada – Things You Cannot do if You Have a Criminal Record appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

Crossing borders, renting apartments and getting a job are just some of the things that can be difficult with a conviction to your name.  

If you’re suffering because of a mistake you had made in the past, you can clear your record and conscious with a pardon/record suspension. A pardon is when the government absolves you of your guilt of a crime and removes it from your record, allowing you to move on with your life. 

While crimes in Canadian federal jurisdiction are applicable for being pardoned, what becomes of charges you have received in the military?

Applying for a Pardon with Military Charges

When applying for a pardon with military experience, you must submit a military conduct sheet as part of a Canadian pardon application if you have or are still serving in the military. This is because civilian convictions that occur within the military don’t always show up on a standard criminal record since they weren’t processed through civil courts and therefore not on the public record.

A military conduct sheet is necessary for a successful pardon application to ensure no information was missed. This is because unlike a typical criminal record, a military conduct record shows civil, criminal and any military misconduct. The National Parole Board (the issuers of pardons) must take all information into consideration when deciding whether to issue you a pardon or not. 

If after that you are issued a pardon, all of your convictions related to the pardon will be removed from your criminal record, including your conduct sheet.

How to Get Your Military Conduct Sheet

Depending on when you left the military is what determines where you obtain your military conduct sheet.

Left three years ago or less – Commanding Officer of the last posting or unit. 

Left five years ago or less – The DMCARM. 

Left more than five years ago – The Personnel Records Unit at the National Archives of Canada. 

Keep in mind that your military conduct sheet will only be valid for six months after it is issued. 

If you are unable to get your conduct sheet you will need to provide a letter from your Commanding Officer when applying for a pardon. 

Pardons and Waivers Canada

When applying for a pardon to can get your life on track and put your mistakes behind you, take all of your military experience into account when doing so. You will need a military conduct sheet if you want to successfully apply for a pardon. 

If you’re looking for professional help to guide you through the pardon/record suspension application, Pardons Canada has years of experience securing US entry waivers and Pardons. 

Contact Pardons Canada today at 1-800-543-2137, to talk with one of our representatives about applying for a pardon or entry waivers.

The post Pardons in Canada – Military Charges & Pardons appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

Are You Eligible for A Pardon?

Before you apply for a record suspension, you first need to make sure you are eligible. Depending on your conviction, the time will change how long it takes to get a pardon processed. 

Five months for charges that have been withdrawn, dismissed, or acquitted.

One year for absolute charges, stayed charges, or any given peace bond.

Three years for a conditional discharge.

Five years for a summary conviction.

Ten years for Indictable conviction.

However, if you have four or more indictable convictions or any sexual conviction involving a minor you will not be eligible for a record suspension.

How Long Will the Process Take?

When you do apply for a pardon/record suspension in Canada, the timing can differ with each case, so there is no concrete answer to how long it takes to get a pardon to be processed. 

It can take an average of 12-24 months for a pardon application to be processed and granted. In some cases, it can be done within 6 months or less, while others can take up to 24 months or more if they involve indictable offences or complicated criminal records.  

However, to prepare the pardon application, many documents must be collected. Acquiring the proper supporting documents from various law enforcement and government agencies can take between 3-10 months. 

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.

Keep in mind that the business dealing with your pardon has no control over the processing speed of how long it takes to get a pardon processed.

What Determines Wait Times

The laws that decide the eligibility period, wait times, and steps involved in obtaining a pardon can be confusing. The Canadian government processing accord to different convictions. 

Summary convictions, less severe convictions, are processed within six months.

Indictment convictions, more severe conviction, are processed within 12 months

Convictions that have already been denied a pardon are processed within 24 months

When you account for processing times set by the Parole Board of Canada as well as the collection of documentation, it can take anywhere from 12-24 months to be granted a record suspension. 

However, there are some factors that could extend the application process, such as, the nature of your offence, the jurisdiction that you live or have lived in, or filing an incomplete or improper application – there is no concrete answer to how long it takes to get a pardon to be processed. 

There are many factors that come into play when determining the length of time of how long it takes to get a pardon processed, so giving a definite length of time is impossible. 

If you are looking to start the process of applying for a pardon, it is best to start immediately. You don’t want to run into a good job, new apartment, or vacation opportunity that you are incapable of taking advantage of because of your criminal record.

At Pardons Canada we can help you get your pardon or waiver. Get in contact with our team of professionals and will help you through the process. Call 1 (800) 543-2137 today for professional assistance with Canadian federal pardons and waivers.

Don’t wait, apply today and get your life on track!

The post Pardons in Canada – How long does it take to get a pardon? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

People want to have their records pardoned/suspended for many reasons. Most people simply want to make sure they are no longer associated with the mistakes they made in the past. Your peace of mind is one important reason to obtain your pardon/record suspension. We strongly recommend that anyone with a record obtain a pardon/record suspension. Our society strongly encourages rehabilitation. Simply put, you are lucky enough to live in a country that allows the pardoning/suspending of criminal records. You should take advantage of that.

Here are some of the ways having a record can affect your life and why you should get one NOW.

Crossing the Border

If you do have prior convictions and attempt to cross a border, you could be detained at the border if they perform a criminal record check. 

Each country will have different rules regarding people entering with a criminal record. Some may allow you to enter, while others could possibly arrest you. The Travel Advice and Advisories page on the Canadian government`s website goes over each countries stipulation`s regarding travellers with a criminal record.  

Even if you were to get a pardon in Canada, it isn`t recognized in the US or other countries. Instead, you need an entry waiver if you are looking to enter the US.  

Denied Canadian Citizenship

Obtaining Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status is already hard enough with the testing and process times. However, if you have been convicted of a criminal offence than you are prohibited from applying for citizenship entirely.

If you`re having trouble getting Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status due to your criminal record, get in touch with Pardons Canada and apply for a pardon today!

Unable to Rent a Home

When you find the perfect home or apartment to rent, you don`t want any obstacles getting in the way. 

Many landlords will ask for a criminal record check before renting out properties. There are no laws against discrimination based on one having a record when it comes to property rental. This means a landlord can refuse to rent to you simply because you have a criminal record.

Child Custody 

In Canada, child custody legislation is enforced to put the best interest of the child first. Because of this, in the event of divorce or separation, child custody rights may be limited to those with a criminal record, especially if the charges involve violence. 

While in many cases the custody of the child is left up to the parents, if they are unable to make the decision independently, the law makes the decision for them, following certain criteria. This is done by analyzing both parents, including, of course, doing a criminal record check. 

Denied Employment

Criminal convictions can often make it more difficult to find employment as most employers require a criminal record check. 

There are many different forms of employment that are difficult to get if you have a record, such as:

Handling Money

If you have any prior convictions involving theft, fraud, or other crimes involving money, employers will be wary of hiring you for positions that involve handling money. 

Working with Children

Any convictions at all on your record will sway the opinion of an employer hiring you for a position that involves working with children, including teaching.

Government Jobs

Another job that will be difficult to get, regardless of your convictions is a government job. 

Police Officer

A clean record is required if you want to be a police officer, with even minor offences making it difficult to get hired. 

The processing time for pardons and waivers can take some time, which is why its best to get your record dealt with immediately, rather than wait until you try to do something that requires a criminal record check.  

If you do have a criminal record and would like to get rid of it and move on with your life, a pardon can give you peace of mind and allow you to move on with your life. The process can be difficult and timely, so get in contact with Pardons Canada and we will help you work through the process. Call 1 (800) 543-2137 today for professional assistance with Canadian federal pardons and waivers.

The post Pardons in Canada – Why do I need a pardon/record suspension? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

We know that sometimes, good people make bad decisions. When you want to leave behind past mistakes and move on with your life, a pardon is the best solution. A pardon is when the government forgives a person of past convictions, thus removing any remaining penalties or punishments and preventing any new prosecution of the person for the crime which was pardoned. In short, your past crimes are exonerated and will no longer affect your life. 

The process for a pardon can be confusing, but who exactly issues pardons? 

Who Grants Pardons?

Pardons work differently in each country, with different bodies within their governments being the issuer of pardons. 

The United States

In the US, the President is the issuer of pardons for any federal laws, and they are allowed to pardon whomever they deem fit, except in cases of impeachment. Governors of most of the 50 stats also have the power to grant pardons for any state laws. In other states, it is decided by an appointed agency or board, or the board and the governor come together to decide.  

The United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the record suspension process is known as the royal prerogative of mercy. The issuer of pardons was traditionally the monarch, judiciary and the sovereign’s ministers, but is now solely left up to the government.  

The government only grants pardons to those who are considered “morally” innocent of the offence, not to those who may have been wrongly convicted. Because of this, the use of royal prerogative of mercy is a rare occurrence.

Canada

In Canada, the issuer of pardons is a federal agency,  the Parole Board of Canada. The law that governs pardons is known as the Criminal Records Act which, as stated above, provides a person who has prior convictions to be relieved of them. 

The RCMP then removes all information about the conviction from the Canadian Police Information Centre and cannot give out the information unless given approval from the Minister of Public Safety Canada.

The pardon doesn’t totally erase convictions, instead, it keeps the record of a conviction separate from other criminal records, this allows citizens opportunities like applying for jobs and apartments without being hindered by their criminal record.  

At Pardons Canada, we understand the process of getting a pardon can be complex. We will walk you through applying for a pardon so you can move on with your life. By acquiring a Canadian pardon, you can ensure that a past conviction won’t appear on your criminal record.  Contact us today to get in touch with our team of professionals that have years of experience in court processes. Contact Federal Pardon Waiver Services at 1 (800) 543-2137 today!

The post Pardons in Canada – Who can grant or issue a pardon/record suspension? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

If you have been fingerprinted for your offence, a fingerprint number is assigned to your name and date of birth, where it will stay until you take steps to have this record cleared. Even if you were not fingerprinted, if you were charged with an offence under the criminal code you may still require a pardon/record suspension if you were convicted, or file destruction if you were not.

If you’re looking to travel, rent a home, obtain a good job, or anything else that having a criminal record would prevent you from doing, it would be best to be certain about the status of your record. In this case, you could request a criminal record check from your local police department to settle any uncertainty.  

What is a Criminal Record?

A criminal record is, in a sense, a file listing all offences, convictions, discharges and other related information, regardless of court outcome. While many believe that your record will disappear after some time, it is held by the RCMP until you turn 80, though in some circumstances it may be held longer.  

Who Has Access to My Criminal Record?

Though your criminal record isn’t a public document, police, border security officers, judges and other officials can access your record by using your name, fingerprints or any of your other personal information to search their local database. They can also submit your fingerprints to the RCMP to search the national database.  

Businesses can also perform name-based criminal record checks through the RCMP national database. This is common in some industries such as finance, education, healthcare, government, security or anything involving children. 

How Having a Criminal Record Can Affect You  

While any fines, sentences or any other penalties that came with your conviction are behind you and dealt with, your conviction will still affect your life. Even if you have yet to see any negative impact from your criminal record, there are many things you won’t be able to do if you have a criminal record. 

You could be denied entry into other countries, jobs, apartments and more because of your criminal record. 

Rather than allowing your criminal record to negatively affect your life, you could apply for a pardon and move on with your life. 

Pardon/Record Suspension

For those who are looking to be exonerated of previous crimes so they no longer impact their lives, a pardon/record suspension could relieve them of their past mistakes. 

Pardons Canada has been helping Canadians move on from their convictions with pardons/record suspensions. If you have a criminal record and have been prevented from doing certain things, Pardons Canada will gladly help you get your pardon today. Contact us today at 1-800-543-2137 to talk with one of our representatives about applying or any other information about pardons/record suspensions.

The post Pardons in Canada – How do I know if I have a criminal record? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.

If you have been convicted of anything over the age of 18 you have a criminal record. While many believe that your criminal record will disappear after some time, it will be kept until you turn 80, even for minor offences, and could even be held longer in some circumstances.  

What are the Consequences of Criminal Having a Criminal Record?

A criminal record will follow you everywhere you go and could prevent you from doing important things in your life such as travelling, obtaining a new job, or renting a home. 

While this is a basic idea of what a criminal record is, Canadian law and police policies don’t provide a straight forward answer. 

To provide a simple explanation of what is contained in a criminal record, we will outline the three categories of records kept by the police about citizens. 

Criminal Convictions

When you’re found guilty of a criminal offence you will either receive a criminal conviction or a discharge.  

You will have a criminal conviction if you have had a prison sentence, a fine or forfeiture, a conditional sentence, or a suspended sentence with probation.  

Criminal convictions will remain on your record until you receive a pardon/record suspension under the Criminal Records Act (CRA).

Non Conviction – Found Guilty  

Absolute and conditional discharges occur when you plead or are found guilty of a criminal offence. Though you are found guilty, it is not explicitly a criminal conviction.

The CRA requires absolute discharges to be automatically sealed and removed from the RCMP database after a year, while conditional discharges are removed after three years. This means you will have a criminal record for one to three years, but after that time it will not long be on your record. 

Non Conviction – Not Found Guilty

Police will also keep a record of any interactions you have with policing duties or criminal court proceedings, even where no charges were laid. Though these records aren’t based on any finding of guilt, they will still appear on criminal record checks. 

Pardon/Record Suspension

Having a criminal record can prevent you from doing a number of things in your life. Many different jobs will not be available to you such as working with children or any government job. You also will find it difficult to cross borders or rent a home and many other things. Due to the long processing times of pardons, you could miss out on a big opportunity all because of a mistake you had made in the past.

If you have a record and it has yet to affect your life, chances are it will in the future. Applying for a pardon/record suspension can be a long and difficult process, which is why many seek help. At Pardons Canada, we have years of experience helping Canadians get pardons. Call 1 (800) 543-2137 today for professional assistance with Canadian federal pardons and waivers.

The post Pardons in Canada – What is a criminal record? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.