For many people, making one poor choice that results in a criminal conviction can have them feeling as if they will be punished forever. Whether it is traveling abroad, wanting to participate in community activities as a volunteer or coach or applying for a job, a criminal record can often be an obstacle that many times cannot be overcome. However, for those who use record suspension services these activities and much more can suddenly become open to them. By getting their criminal record cleared, it can provide not only peace of mind but also open doors to many opportunities that before would have been impossible to accomplish.
Who is Eligible for a Record Suspension?
The good news is that almost everyone is eligible to take advantage of record suspension services. However, there are differing lengths of time a person must wait after finishing their sentence before they can apply for such services. Some offenses require a five-year waiting period after completion of the sentence, with some of the most common ones being:
- Assault
- DUI
- Mischief
Those that require a 10-year wait after completing a sentence include:
- Robbery
- Aggravated Assault
- Theft over $5,000
How Do I Get a Travel Waiver?
Over four million Canadians have criminal records, and as a result many of them will not be eligible for travel to the United States. This can impede their ability to conduct business, visit family and friends, take vacations and much more. In order to be granted a United States Entry Waiver, three factors are closely examined by the Admissibility Review Office and are as follows:
- The risk of harm to society
- Seriousness of prior criminal convictions
- Reason for wanting to enter the U.S.
Because there are a number of steps involved in this process, it’s highly recommended that anyone wanting this get the necessary help from record suspension services such as Pardons Canada. Otherwise, their application may be delayed or rejected.
By using record suspension services, those who have prior criminal convictions can find themselves free to pursue whatever endeavors they wish. Whether it is traveling abroad on a dream vacation or simply helping to coach a youth hockey team, these services provide a way for those who have paid their debt to society be made truly free once and for all.
