John Erickson is an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Toronto who has helped hundreds of Canadians secure a fresh start with a successful pardon or record suspension. Practicing law at all levels of the Canadian court system for nearly 20 years, John Erickson is a prudent choice for individuals seeking help with their upcoming application to the Parole Board of Canada.
Call (416) 363-3612 or write to info@ericksonlaw.ca to book your free consultation with a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto. John Erickson can help you with pardon appeals, record suspensions, and U.S. Waivers for Canadians.
Understanding the Pardon Process – Criminal Defence Lawyer in Toronto
A record suspension (formerly called a pardon) allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence but have completed their sentence and demonstrated that they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records.
According to the Criminal Records Act, the Parole Board of Canada has the authority to grant, deny, or revoke a record suspension request. If your record suspension request is granted, all information relevant to your conviction will be removed from your record. This information does not disappear – instead, it is held by the Canadian Police Information Centre (called CPIC), where it can be accessed with special permission from Canada’s Minister of Public Safety.
Read on for some answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to record suspensions:
Who may apply for a record suspension?
Any person convicted of an offence under a federal act or regulation of Canada can apply for a record suspension. Note that this process is not limited to Canadian citizens.
Which offences are ineligible for record suspension?
There are a number of enumerated offences that cannot be removed from your record. These includes sexual offences against children and other serious crimes whose records must be upheld for reasons of public safety.
How long must I wait before I am eligible to apply for a record suspension?
The length of time that must pass before you are able to apply for a record suspension depends on the nature of the offence that you have been convicted of. Summary offences require a 5-year waiting period after the sentence has been served, while indictable offences require a 10-year waiting period.
Can a record suspension be denied?
Yes. Your application may be denied, especially if you are found not to have maintained a record of good conduct since your sentence was completed.
In order to maximize your chances of being granted a record suspension, it is in your best interest to hire a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto.
Applying for a pardon or record suspension represents your second chance for a fresh start in the world. Whether you require a clear record to work or travel outside of Canada, Erickson Law can help you get the results you need. You can count on our qualified and experience criminal defence lawyers in Toronto.
Call (416) 363-3612 or write to info@ericksonlaw.ca to book your free consultation with a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto.
