A criminal record is a heavy anchor. It prevents you from getting the job you want, volunteering with your children’s school, or renting an apartment. In Canada, a “pardon” is now called a Record Suspension. It is a formal process that removes your criminal record from the public database (CPIC), effectively giving you a fresh start.
Kazandji Law‘s Ontario record suspension lawyers help clients navigate the complex administrative labyrinth of the Parole Board of Canada. We ensure that your application is perfect, minimizing the risk of rejection and getting you back to your life as quickly as possible.
Eligibility and the Waiting Game
You cannot apply for a record suspension the day after your court case ends. You must wait a specific period of time after you have completed your entire sentence (including fines, probation, and jail time):
- Summary Convictions: A 5-year waiting period.
- Indictable Convictions: A 10-year waiting period.
Our Ontario record suspension lawyers assist you in determining exactly when your “waiting clock” started. Many people realize too late that an unpaid fine from five years ago has prevented their clock from even starting.
Why You Need Expert Ontario Record Suspension Lawyers
The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is incredibly strict. A single missing document or a poorly explained “measurable benefit” section can result in your application being returned or denied. We handle the entire process, including:
- Ordering your RCMP fingerprints and criminal record.
- Securing “Local Police Records Checks” from every city you’ve lived in for the last five years.
- Writing a compelling statement on how the suspension will help your rehabilitation.
FAQs: Information from Ontario Record Suspension Lawyers
Does a record suspension make my record disappear completely?
It moves your record to a separate, restricted database. It will no longer show up on standard employment or volunteer checks.
Can a record suspension be revoked in Canada?
Yes. If you are convicted of a new indictable offence, your record suspension can be cancelled, and your old record will reappear.
How much does the application cost?
There is a government filing fee (currently around $50), plus costs for fingerprints and police checks. Kazandji Law’s legal fees are transparent and cover the entire management of your file.
Will a record suspension help me travel to the USA?
The U.S. does not officially recognize Canadian record suspensions. However, if they haven’t already seen your record, it will no longer show up at the border once the suspension is granted.
Are some crimes ineligible for a suspension?
Yes. Certain sexual offences involving children and individuals with more than three indictable convictions (each with a sentence of 2 years or more) are ineligible.
What is a Measurable Benefit?
You must explain how the suspension will help you (e.g., career advancement, education). Our Ontario record suspension lawyers will help you draft this correctly.
How long does the PBC take to decide?
Summary applications usually take 6 months; indictable applications can take up to 12 months once accepted.
Do I need a lawyer for this?
You can apply on your own, but the paperwork is dense. Most people hire Ontario record suspension attorneys to avoid the frustration of having their application rejected for minor errors.
What if my conviction was for cannabis?
There is a special, faster, and free process for “Simple Possession of Cannabis” record suspensions. We can help you with this expedited path.
Why choose Kazandji Law? We don’t just “fill out forms.” We are legal experts who understand how to present your history in the best possible light.
Reclaim Your Future
A mistake you made ten years ago shouldn’t stop you from being promoted today. Let our Ontario record suspension lawyers handle the bureaucracy so you can focus on your future. Contact Us Now.