Removing Your Record

A criminal record can follow you for life. It can affect your career and travel opportunities, your social life and peace of mind. A Pardon removes your criminal record from searchable computer databases keeping it separate from all other records. It affirms that you are now of good conduct so that any past convictions no longer reflect adversely upon your character. This opens the doors to employment opportunities, travelling and volunteering. It also provides relief from the stigma of the criminal record.

If you are charged with a criminal offence and even if the charge is subsequently dismissed, withdrawn or stayed, you have a criminal record. The record of the fact that you were charged as well as your fingerprints, photographs and any other information you gave at the time of your arrest is kept on file.

In order for your criminal record to be cleared we petition the local police agency requesting your file, including photographs and fingerprints be destroyed. This process can take from 6 – 12 months.

Police do maintain the right to retain files when they determine it is in the public’s best interest to do so. Each individual police agency has their own procedures and requirements relating to these applications.

Pardon eligibility is determined by the Criminal Records Act. Before an application will be considered, an eligibility period of either three or five years must have elapsed after the expiration of any sentence imposed. In the case of a summary conviction the wait period is three years. For indictable convictions it is five years. Your full sentence must have been satisfied including any prison term, period of probation and the payment of any fine. You must also remain of good conduct.

While we cannot technically file your application until the eligibility period is met we can begin the process sooner ensuring your application is filed as soon as you become eligible. Call one of our Specialists to determine if you are eligible.

A Pardon removes your criminal record from searchable computer databases. It affirms that you are now of good conduct and that any past convictions will no longer adversely reflect upon your character. This opens the doors to employment opportunities, travelling and volunteering. It also provides relief from the stigma of the criminal record bringing you peace of mind.

A Pardon removes your criminal record from searchable computer databases in Canada. A Waiver is a legal document allowing you entry into the United States. The US Entry Waiver grants you admissibility that would otherwise be denied given your criminal past. If you have been denied entry to the U.S. you will require a Waiver. If you have a criminal record in Canada, yet you have never been refused entry into the United States, you might consider only a Pardon. However in that the United States does not recognize Canadian Pardons, if they are made aware of your record even after receiving a Pardon you could still be refused entry, be deported, detained or have property seized.

No. Murder convictions and any convictions carrying a life sentence cannot be pardoned.

The National Parole Board does have discretion when considering your conduct during the three or five year eligibility period. If you meet the eligibility requirements it is rare that a Pardon will not be granted. In the rare cases where the Board issues a Proposal to Deny you have 60 days to appeal their finding. Typically a letter of circumstances is required from you outlining the basis of your appeal. If successful, the Board’s ruling will be overturned. If unsuccessful you would have to wait another full year to reapply. It is estimated that 55% of people who file without assistance see their applications denied or returned. Our service relating to Pardon applications carries a full money-back guarantee.

The National Parole Board may revoke a Pardon if:

• The Board determines you are no longer exhibiting good conduct
• The Board discovers you made false statements or withheld relevant information at the time of application
• You are convicted again
• If new information emerges which convinces the Board that you were not eligible at the time it was issued or granted

• We will have you sign the Pardon application we compile for you
• You will need to have a set of fingerprints done
• We will require copies of identification
• Proof of Canadian Citizenship
• Employment Documentation (or previous year’s tax assessment)
• We will obtain a certified copy of your criminal record on your behalf
• We will obtain required court documents on your behalf
• We will obtain required local police checks on your behalf where permitted or advise you about attending these agencies in person
• We will obtain your Military Conduct Report, if applicable

While we pay certain fees charged by any third party listed above (disbursements) on behalf of our clients up-front these are charged back to you. Typically these range from $50 - $150.

It is estimated over 55% of applications for Pardons filed directly by individuals without assistance are rejected or returned as incomplete or ineligible. Many people find the process time-consuming, difficult and lengthy. Our tried and tested methods together with our contacts with police agencies and courts across the country as well as the National Parole Board ensure you receive the fastest service possible at affordable rates.

Our premium service is the fastest way to remove your record. We push the process through as quickly as possible.

• Formulating all required legal documents for your signature
• Creating a unique process-tracking computer file using our custom database technology
• Obtaining certified copies of your criminal record, court documents, local police reports and military service records if applicable
• Reviewing all forms and files for any errors or omissions
• Petitioning the National Parole Board for your pardon on your behalf
• Receiving and managing all communications from external agencies
• Expediting activities to fast track your application by 6 months or more
• Providing personalized “Pardon in Progress” letters for you to provide to third parties, confirming your expedited Pardon process
• Providing additional requested documents & services at no additional charge
• Assigning priority status for response to your enquiries
• Sending your documents by secured, priority mail

This ensures the greatest chance for your success. Payment options are available to meet every budget. We are fast, we are reliable and we are affordable.

Some limitations do apply to Pardons:

• A Pardon does not erase your record; it moves it to a non-searchable, “sealed” database keeping it separate from all other records.
• A Pardon does not guarantee entry or visa privileges to other countries.
• A Pardon does not cancel driving or firearms prohibitions.
• A Pardon only “seals” convictions the National Parole Board is aware of at the time of considering your file. If the Board is not made aware of a specific conviction it is not included in your Pardon and a further application is required.

Yes. Sexual offences can be pardoned however these records while “sealed” are flagged denoting the nature of the offence. While your record will not appear in normal searches should an organization working with the vulnerable sector (children, mentally disabled, elderly), with your permission, conduct a search they will be advised of the flag. Knowing this it is likely they would want you to disclose details of your record.

A Peace Bond is a special order imposed by a judge between two parties and is not treated as a criminal conviction. In forming a Peace Bond the parties agree to certain terms and the consequences for breaching the terms are set out in the agreement. Only when the agreement is breached resulting in a criminal conviction is a Pardon necessary.

Only when you have authorized an employer, perspective employer or landlord in writing can they undertake a criminal record search.

Employers in Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories cannot ask about conviction records nor can employers falling under federal jurisdiction. However, if information about a criminal record is legitimately needed for employment purposes the question can be phrased “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which a Pardon has not been granted?” In British Columbia, Quebec, PEI and the Yukon, a record of criminal conviction is considered grounds for discrimination making even this question illegal.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia do not offer protection against discrimination based on criminal records, pardoned or otherwise. Once a Pardon is granted though, it is “sealed” and separate from other records thus it is not accessible by any employer. Further it is illegal in all jurisdictions to ask applicants if they have ever been arrested. 

Yes. Before adopting a child the law requires that a criminal record search be completed. It is best to apply for a Pardon before starting the adoption process.

Yes. Many applications are halted when Canadian Immigration officials ask for a Pardon. If the process is not completed in time the application will be rejected causing a delay which can stretch on for years. It is recommended that you apply for a Pardon before beginning the process.

Yes and we take the added step of obtaining your Military Conduct Record from the National Archives or your Commanding Officer as required by the National Parole Board.

Initially you need to obtain a set of fingerprints from your local police detachment or another authorized private fingerprinting service. We will advise on the most expeditious way to get this done depending on your location. We have you sign the required National Parole Board application. We obtain a certified copy of your criminal required which is required by the Board to determine what local police checks and court documents will be required to successfully complete your petition. We may need to ask you to attend your local police detachment in person to get the required police check. This depends on the jurisdiction. Each police agency has their own rules and requirements. Once we have all the documents we need from the various agencies we are able to finalize your application and petition the National Parole Board on your behalf.

With our premium service where we expedite your application every step of the way, the process can take between 6 – 12 months. This is largely dependent on the extent of your record and the number of police and court checks we need to obtain. It also depends on each individual court and police agency attending to our requests as expeditiously as possible. With our standard service we suggest a 12 – 18 month processing time.

Often we are able to accomplish this sooner but our experience suggests our timelines are genuine and real. Our service specialists would be pleased to discuss your personal situation with you.