Choosing the right pardon agency can eliminate delays and save $1000’s

Choosing the right pardon agency can eliminate delays and save $1000’s

How will a pardon in Canada benefit me?

Your criminal record will be kept separate and apart from other records in the CPIC database, effectively removing your record and helping you gain employment, education, volunteering and other opportunities.

Will a Canadian pardon allow me entry into the United States?

While your record will be set aside, it doesn’t erase the fact you were convicted, and US Customs and Border Protection does not recognize a Canadian pardon. Depending on the nature of your criminal record, you may need to apply for a US entry waiver.

How much does a pardon cost?

The PBC application fee is $50. You are also responsible for fingerprinting, court and local police fees (approximately $150).

Our fee will depend on:

  • the number of court locations you have been convicted in

  • amount of cities you have resided in during the past 5 years

When am I eligible to apply for a pardon?

Determining eligibility can be confusing due to legislative changes and court rulings.

Eligibility ranges from 3, 5 to 10 years and depends on:

  • when the most recent offence was committed

  • date when the sentence was fully completed

  • nature of the offence(s)

A court order that prohibits you from driving or owning a firearm is not considered as part of a sentence.

How long will the process take?

Once received by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), summary offences will be processed within 6 months while indictable offences take 12 months.

Which Government agency is responsible for pardons?

The Parole Board of Canada is the only official agency that is involved in the processing of pardon and record suspension applications for convictions in Canada.

Can a pardon or record suspension be revoked?

Yes, if you’re:

  • convicted of a new offence

  • no longer maintaining a crime free lifestyle

  • found to have withheld information when you applied

If a pardon is revoked the offence(s) will be added back into the CPIC database.

What is the difference between a pardon and record suspension?

On March 13, 2012 the government's amendments to the CRA went into effect. Changes included a symbolic renaming from pardons to record suspensions, as well as increasing the time before an applicant is eligible to apply. Certain sexual offences and individuals convicted of more than three indictable offences and who received a prison sentence of two or more years were also deemed ineligible.

What documents are required for a pardon application?

Documentation can include:

  • RCMP criminal record

  • Court information

  • Local police records check

  • Military conduct sheet

  • Measurable benefit form

  • Record suspension application form

Why should I hire a company to process my pardon application?

Because nearly 30% of all pardon applications were returned incomplete.

Of the 17,572 applications that the Board received during the last fiscal period, only 12,785 were completed properly.

We will prepare your documents, make sure every detail is in order and submit your application quickly, ensuring that it’s approved sooner.

File destruction in Canada: what you should know about non-conviction record destruction

Identification documents

collected during an arrest can

be destroyed if the charge(s)

didn't result in a conviction.

File destruction in Canada: what you should know about non-conviction record destruction

If you’ve ever been arrested and charged with a crime the police have your information on file - even if the charges were stayed, withdrawn, dismissed or discharged. The same is true if you entered into a peace bond or diversion program.

You now have a non-conviction criminal record that you’ll need to destroy.

The file destruction process

We contact the arresting police service and submit a file destruction request on your behalf. After the arresting police approve the request, they contact the RCMP Identification Services and request the destruction of the non-conviction information.

Exactly what files and information get destroyed?

All identification documents, including those, submitted to the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records are destroyed.

Your criminal record history that was entered into the CPIC database held at the RCMP Repository is deleted and, most importantly, your FPS number is canceled.

What’s an FPS number and why is it so important?

FPS stands for Fingerprint Section number and is a unique number assigned to an individual that has been fingerprinted. FPS numbers are shared with the United States and are accessible by US Customs and Border Protection. As part of our file destruction request we ensure the arresting police service cancels your FPS number.

Is there a waiting period before I can apply to have my file destroyed?

Yes, general time frames include:

  • stay of proceedings: 1 year

  • peace bond: after the expiration

  • withdrawn, dismissed, acquitted: 1-6 months

Each police service sets its own guidelines about when you can apply. We will provide specific details surrounding your file destruction timeline and eligibility.

Does the RCMP automatically remove absolute and conditional charges?

Yes, absolute and conditional charges are automatically removed one and three years, respectively, after being sentenced. However, the local police have your fingerprints and photos on file, which you can request be destroyed.

Will I have to get fingerprinted for a file destruction?

No, RCMP fingerprints are not required. If you’re told fingerprints are required as part of the process contact us, and we’ll submit your request immediately.

How much does a file destruction request cost?

The average cost of having your criminal file destroyed is $240, depending upon:

  • the disposition of the charge(s)

  • having non-conviction records with multiple police services

  • whether the files still exist

  • the police charging a service fee

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Contact Us

Since 2007 we have assisted clients successfully and we can help you too.

If you would like to start your application or have any questions, please call:

Toll-free

1-855-727-3667

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