Record suspension processing times vary, based on many factors. You made a regrettable mistake years ago and have since made the necessary life changes to lead a positive, productive life. But you’re never truly free from the negative effects and discrimination of having a criminal record and everyone has the right to be free of discrimination, even those with a criminal record.
Debt Has Been Paid To Society
Your debt has been paid to society and you have the chance to unburden yourself from your
past. A Record Suspension (formerly known as a Pardon) is essentially an order that keeps an individual’s criminal record separate and apart from other criminal records. Anyone who has a record, served their completed sentence and has shown that they’ve taken the necessary steps to remain a law abiding citizen is eligible to be granted a Record Suspension from the Parole Board of Canada. While a Record Suspension doesn’t completely erase your criminal record, it does seal it from Public Record and therefore there are many positive benefits that come with obtaining it.
Why It’s Worth Getting A Record Suspension
The reasons to consider getting a Record Suspension are obvious. By removing the stigma that’s attached to having a criminal record in Canada, you increase your employability, obtaining approval for residences and ability to obtain an education. Not to mention the social benefits it can bring, such as positive perception from friends and family, personal growth and development and just an overwhelming sense of relief. A Record Suspension can help open more doors so that you can secure a better quality of life, both financially and personally.
Don’t Delay Applying for A Record Suspension
Once you’ve decided to take action, don’t delay – contact us so we can get the process started. Remember, there are several factors that can add to Record Suspension processing times and the longer you wait, the more opportunity there is for your criminal record to be used against you. If you can, begin the process of removing your criminal record as soon as you’re able to. Once your sentence has been completed in full meaning all fines and dues have been paid, you’ve served all conditional and imprisonment sentences (including parole and statutory release) and you’ve satisfied your probation order, the ‘waiting period’ can start.
It Takes Time But It’s Worth The Wait
You’re probably thinking this: you’ve gone through your sentence, completed your time and fulfilled every condition associated to it but you still have to go through a waiting period?
The answer is Yes.
Waiting periods follows these guidelines:
- 5 years for a summary offences (or any act committed under the National Defence Act)
- 10 years for indictable offences (or an office committed under the National Defence Act of
which you were fined more than $5,000, detained or imprisoned for more than 6
months).
Please note: you are not eligible for a Record Suspension if you have Sexual convictions to a minor or if you have 4 or more indictable convictions, each of which 2 years or more of jail time was served.
Once your waiting period has passed and your application is complete, you will have to factor in the actual Record Suspension processing times. The Parole Board of Canada processes applications for offences tried summarily within 6 months of acceptance, while applications for indictable offences are processed within 12 months. Any application in which the Board is proposing to refuse will need even more months for processing after the application has been accepted.
Record Suspension Processing Times Tips
There is no way to expedite or guarantee your Record Suspension application but there are things you can do during the waiting period so your application is ready for submission on the date you are eligible for the Record Suspension. Obtaining your RCMP Records, Local Police Records, Court Reports and any other supporting documents is required beforehand to ensure your application is accepted in good standing. That is why it is best to contact us to help ensure your application is prepared correctly and you do not experience further delays with the Parole Board of Canada.
A Second Chance
While having a criminal record doesn’t always translate to being discriminated against, the chances are definitely higher. Why risk being denied a job interview, losing out on a nice residence or not getting the education you desire because of a mistake you’ve paid your dues for? If you decide to get a Record Suspension, don’t delay. Contact us today to get started. Once you factor in the waiting period and application processing time, it can be longer than you had anticipated.
