Get a Pardon - Pardon Services

Pardon Services

Looking for pardon services in Canada? Are you burdened by a past criminal record hindering your opportunities? Record suspension services offer a pathway to redemption, providing individuals with the chance to move forward without the weight of past mistakes. We offer record suspension services for individuals, and we work with you to get your record suspension as quickly as possible.

What is a Pardon?

In the United States, the power to grant pardons is vested in the President at the federal level and in the governors of the various states. Pardons can be granted for federal offenses by the President, while state governors have the authority to grant pardons for state offenses. Pardons in the United States are typically granted for reasons such as rehabilitation, restoration of rights, or to correct a miscarriage of justice. The process for applying for a pardon varies by jurisdiction, but typically involves submitting an application to the appropriate authority and providing evidence of rehabilitation or other mitigating circumstances. Pardons can have a significant impact on an individual's life, as they can restore rights that were lost as a result of a criminal conviction, such as the right to vote, hold public office, or own firearms. Additionally, pardons can help to remove the stigma of a criminal conviction and allow individuals to move on with their lives. Overall, pardons are an important tool in the criminal justice system for addressing cases of wrongful conviction, promoting rehabilitation, and providing a second chance to individuals who have paid their debt to society.

Understanding Record Suspension Services

Formerly known as pardons, record suspensions are a legal remedy that seals a person's criminal record, effectively removing it from public visibility. Additionally, individuals who have completed their sentences and demonstrated good conduct may be eligible to apply for a record suspension. Moreover, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), an independent administrative tribunal, is responsible for reviewing and granting record suspensions.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a record suspension in Ontario, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Completion of Sentence: Individuals must have completed all sentences, including incarceration, probation, and payment of fines, associated with their convictions.
• Waiting Period: There is a waiting period before individuals can apply for a record suspension. The standard wait time is five years for summary offenses and ten years for indictable offenses.
• Good Conduct: Applicants must demonstrate good conduct and be law-abiding citizens during the waiting period.
• No Outstanding Charges: Individuals must not have any outstanding criminal charges or be under investigation at the time of application.
• No Schedule 1 Convictions: Convictions from schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act are ineligible for offences committed after 2012.

Process of Obtaining a Record Suspension

The process of obtaining a record suspension in Ontario involves several key steps:

• Application Submission: Applicants must complete and submit an application for a record suspension to the Parole Board of Canada. This includes providing personal information, details of the offence, and evidence of rehabilitation. Moreover, applicants must ensure that all required documents are accurately completed and submitted according to the specified guidelines.
• Review and Assessment: The Parole Board of Canada reviews the application to ensure it meets all eligibility criteria. Furthermore, they may request additional information or documentation to support the application. Additionally, applicants should be prepared to provide comprehensive evidence of rehabilitation. This evidence may include certificates of completion for rehabilitation programs or letters of reference from employers or community members.
• Decision: After reviewing the application, the Parole Board of Canada makes a decision on whether to grant the record suspension. If approved, the individual's criminal record will be sealed, and they will receive a formal record suspension certificate. Additionally, the decision-making process may take several months, so applicants should be patient and prepared to wait for the outcome.

Benefits of Record Suspensions

Record suspensions offer numerous benefits to individuals in Ontario, including:

• Improved Employment Opportunities: With a clean record, individuals can pursue employment opportunities without the stigma of past convictions hindering them. Additionally, many employers conduct criminal background checks as part of the hiring process, and a record suspension can significantly improve an individual's chances of securing employment.
• Enhanced Housing Options: Landlords often conduct background checks on prospective tenants, and a record suspension can improve an individual's chances of securing rental housing. Moreover, individuals with record suspensions may have access to a wider range of housing options and rental opportunities.
• Greater Peace of Mind: Record suspensions provide individuals with the chance to move forward with their lives. Furthermore, individuals with record suspensions can enjoy a sense of closure and redemption, knowing that their past convictions are no longer a barrier to their future success.

Get a Pardon with Cambium Legal Services

Our record suspension services offer a lifeline to individuals burdened by past criminal records, providing them with the opportunity to reclaim their futures. Additionally, by meeting eligibility criteria and following the application process, individuals can obtain record suspensions and embark on a new chapter of their lives, filled with hope, opportunities, and renewed purpose.

As with all things in life, there are no guarantees with pardons. Furthermore, the timeline for summary offences is approximately 6 months for processing by the government, for indictable offences this increases to 12 months. Additionally, this does not include the time it takes to gather the information needed to proceed with the application. For instance, the RCMP can take up to 120 days for the request for a criminal record. Consequently, the time for a record suspension is a lengthy process. Thus, it is best to get started now to avoid delays and expedite the process.

Our record suspension services cost $450 plus tax. Additionally, this includes the application, 3 required local police record checks for jurisdictions you have lived in (further required checks will be extra), court information, and filing fee. Furthermore, you will be required to obtain your criminal record and have your fingerprints taken electronically. Moreover, it also includes your measurable benefit statement, which we will go over with you to ensure completeness and accuracy.