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.

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Like with any crime, the offence’s degree of severity is taken into consideration. If you say, impulsively steal a pack of gum, you will be tried differently than someone who has premeditatedly gone into a store and stole a large number of pricey items. However, theft is still theft and it will more than likely lead to a conviction that will stay on your record and could prevent you from obtaining potential jobs or renting a property. 

Throughout this article, we will go through both the long and short term consequences of shoplifting. 

Short Term Consequences

Shoplifting is considered a form of theft and is therefore seen as a crime. The consequences of your shoplifting are down to the establishment you had stolen from, they will decide if they want to press charges or not. If you are charged, you will be arrested, your fingerprints will be taken and it will permanently go on to your criminal record. 

Even if you are caught stealing the smallest of objects, like a pack of gum, it is considered a summary conviction and you can be charged with theft under $5000 and you could face a fine, imprisonment, or both. 

Long Term Consequences

After you have been convicted of shoplifting the charge, the conviction, fingerprints, and any other documentation surrounding the case will remain on your criminal record permanently. That means all of the information regarding the shoplifting is viewable to anyone who requests a criminal record check. Even if you weren’t convicted of shoplifting, all of the documentation will still remain on your criminal record.  

The only scenario that would result in the shoplifting not remaining on your record permanently is if you were a minor at the time of the charge. 

Having any documentation on your criminal record regarding a shoplifting charge, convicted or not, will result in you possibly being denied jobs or property rental that requires a criminal record check. Having a messy criminal record can even prevent you from travelling to the US. 

How to Have Convictions Removed

Having a criminal record can really affect your day to day life and prevent you from doing many things you would otherwise be able to do. Should one impulsive decision you made in the past follow you for the rest of your life? Luckily, it doesn’t have to. 

If you have a conviction on your criminal record, it has been 5 years since the offence and you have completed your sentence in full, including any fines, prison time, or any other court-mandated obligations, you could be eligible for a pardon. A pardon will remove a conviction from your criminal record so you can move on from your past mistakes. 

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 Shoplifting and Pardons – Does Shoplifting Stay on Your Record? appeared first on Federal Pardons and Waivers.