Record suspensions, sometimes referred to as pardons, remove eligible Canadians’ criminal records from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. The purpose of getting a record suspension is so that those who want a criminal record check from you would be prevented from seeing your dated criminal record.
Record Suspensions are governed by the Criminal Records Act (CRA), which only applies to Canada-wide organizations. However, according to the Government of Canada, most provincial and municipal criminal justice agencies will also restrict access to the records they keep once they have been made aware a record suspension has been ordered.
In order to be granted a record suspension, you must submit an application to the Parole Board of Canada. There are certain criteria that must be met. These criteria are sometimes difficult to understand on your own. The steps for applying for a record suspension can also be numerous and difficult to navigate. While hiring a lawyer to assist you with a Record Suspension application is not necessary, we are happy to assist you with this process if you are finding it overwhelming.
It is important to note that applying for a record suspension does not guarantee that your record will be suspended. This is especially important to remember since there are hefty fees involved with seeking the application.
A record suspension is also not absolute, meaning the suspension can be revoked. Revocation can happen when someone is convicted of a new indictable offence, or sometimes even a summary offence, if someone is “found to no longer be of good conduct,” is found to have lied or hidden information in your application, or it is later discovered you were not actually eligible when the record suspension was granted. If a record suspension is revoked, your criminal record will be added back to the CPIC database.
Interested in applying for a record suspension? Contact DeMelo Law today for more information.
