The Pardon Process: What you need to know
The pardon process can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are agencies like us to guide you through the process, but there’s also information available on the Parole Board’s website to help you through the steps: https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/record-suspensions.html -- we’ve provided the website because it’s important that you’re getting your information directly from the government and not someone pretending to be them.
Being honest, the government hasn’t made it easy to be pardoned. The Conservatives under Stephen Harper made the waiting periods to be eligible longer, and the fee more expensive. They ignored the success of the existing pardon program, with a rate of only 4% of pardoned individuals re-offending, and chose to take a “tough on crime stance” by passing Bill C-10. The Liberals have (finally) walked back some of those changes, however the filing fee keeps going up, and who knows what the future holds (whether it be with the current government or another one).
First off, find out if you’re eligible. We offer free consultations so that we can be “sure” even if you aren’t. We’re always up front with you if we think anything you disclose might prevent you from getting a pardon, and if you still want to get started regardless, we don’t charge additional fees if your file needs to be put on hold due to delayed eligibility. Waiting periods (3, 5, or 10 years depending on your first offence date) start from the completion of your sentence and severity of your offence(s), however you can start the application process at ANY TIME even if you are not yet eligible to submit a request to the Parole Board. We recommend getting started anywhere from 8-12 months prior to your eligibility date so that everything can be prepared and ready to go as soon as you can legally apply.
There are several supporting documents required for the pardon, from an RCMP fingerprint criminal record check, supporting court documents, personal statement, local police records checks, and an application form. The good news is that we do everything that can be done on your behalf for you. Will there be requirements on your side? Absolutely! But we’re here to walk you through the process and make things as simple as possible.
We offer free consultations so if you have any questions about the process give us a call or send off an email. We’ll get back to you quickly so that you can make this important decision and move forward with clearing your record!
The ‘Suspend This’ Team