Record Suspension Lawyers in Edmonton

Verdicta LLP's record suspension lawyers in Edmonton help people apply to the Parole Board of Canada for a record suspension (pardon) under the Criminal Records Act — from eligibility reviews and application preparation to responding when the Board proposes to refuse.

How we help

• Eligibility reviews
• Application preparation
• Gathering court & police records
• Measurable-benefit statements
• Responses to proposed refusals
• Advice on discharges & non-conviction records

What is a record suspension?

A record suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, completed their sentence and have shown they are law-abiding to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records. Once a record suspension is ordered, the record is removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database, which helps with employment, education and other opportunities.

When can you apply?

You can apply once you've completed all of your sentences — including any jail, probation, and payment in full of fines, surcharges, costs, restitution or compensation orders — and the waiting period has passed:

• 5 years for an offence prosecuted by summary conviction
• 10 years for an offence prosecuted by indictment

These waiting periods apply to offences committed on or after March 13, 2012; different rules can apply to older offences.

Who isn't eligible?

Some people can't receive a record suspension — for example, people convicted of certain sexual offences involving children (unless specific exceptions apply), or people convicted of more than three indictable offences that each resulted in a sentence of two years or more. We review your record to confirm eligibility before you spend time and money on an application.

The application process

1. Eligibility review. We confirm your waiting period and identify any obstacles.
2. Records. You'll need a fingerprint-based criminal record check from the RCMP, court information for each conviction, and local police record checks.
3. Application. We prepare the application and, where required, a clear explanation of the benefit a record suspension would provide and how you've been of good conduct.
4. Decision. The Parole Board of Canada reviews the application. If the Board proposes to refuse, you have an opportunity to respond — and a well-prepared response matters.

The Parole Board's processing fee is $50. You'll also pay for fingerprints, court documents and police checks. Our legal fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge.

Things to know

• A record suspension can be revoked — for example, if you're later convicted of a new indictable offence or found to have given false information.
• It doesn't cancel driving or weapons prohibition orders.
• It may not be recognized by other countries, including the United States, for travel purposes.
• Absolute and conditional discharges aren't convictions, and are generally removed from CPIC automatically after one and three years respectively — but other records may remain.
• Charges that were withdrawn, stayed or dismissed aren't convictions, so a record suspension doesn't apply. Police may still hold records of them; we can advise you on requesting their removal.
• For simple possession of cannabis convictions, an expedited, no-cost record suspension process is available.