How the Parole Board Assesses Multiple Assault Convictions in Canada

Having a criminal record for assault can severely limit your ability to find good employment, rent an apartment, or volunteer in your community. When you have multiple assault convictions on your record, the stakes are even higher. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) treats repeat offences very seriously. Under the Criminal Records Act, the Board does not just rubber-stamp your application; they conduct a subjective review to ensure that granting you a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) will not bring the justice system into disrepute.

A single summary conviction for a bar fight years ago might be processed smoothly. However, multiple assaults-whether they are simple assaults, assault causing bodily harm, or domestic violence-create a documented pattern of violence. 📍 The PBC will heavily scrutinize your file to see if you have truly changed your ways. Proving “sustained rehabilitation” becomes your biggest hurdle. If you live in Toronto, Calgary, or Halifax, navigating this intense scrutiny is much easier when you hire a local criminal lawyer or pardon expert from our directory to help build your case.

Step-by-Step Process for Handling Multiple Assault Records

Applying for a federal Record Suspension requires gathering documents from police and courts across the country. When multiple violent offences are involved, the process demands absolute precision and extra supporting evidence. Here is how you should generally proceed.

Step 1: Wait Out the Mandatory Time Periods

Before you can even apply, you must complete all of your sentences-including paying all fines, finishing probation, and serving jail time. Once the sentence is complete, the waiting period begins. For offences committed after March 2012, you must wait 5 years for a summary conviction and 10 years for an indictable offence. If your multiple assaults occurred on different dates, the waiting period does not start until the sentence for the last offence is fully complete.

Step 2: Obtain Your RCMP Criminal Record

You must get your fingerprints taken at a local accredited agency to request your official RCMP criminal record. 🗂 This document will list every conviction you have. It is crucial to review this carefully, as having three or more indictable offences where you were sentenced to two years or more each could make you permanently ineligible for a pardon.

Step 3: Gather Court Information and Local Police Records

You must contact the courthouse in the city where each assault occurred (for instance, the Edmonton Law Courts or the Vancouver Provincial Court) to get the original court documents. Next, you need a Local Police Information check from every police service in the jurisdictions where you have lived for the past five years. If local police have records of domestic disturbance calls, even without charges, the PBC may see this as a lack of sustained rehabilitation.

Step 4: Complete and Document Anger Management Programs

Because multiple assaults flag an anger or violence issue, you need to proactively prove you have addressed the root cause. Obtain certificates of completion for anger management courses, substance abuse counselling (if alcohol/drugs were a factor), or domestic violence programs. Letters from therapists or community leaders vouching for your changed behaviour are vital for the Board’s subjective review.

Step 5: Draft the Sustained Rehabilitation Form

This is the most critical step. You must complete the Measurable Benefit/Sustained Rehabilitation form. 📝 You need to explain in plain English why the assaults happened, take absolute responsibility for your actions, and detail exactly what has changed in your life. Blaming the victims or the police will almost certainly result in the Parole Board denying your application.

How Much Does it Cost in Canada?

Obtaining a Record Suspension involves several administrative fees spread across different agencies. Having multiple convictions means paying for multiple court documents.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Gathering documents from courts and police stations usually takes 3 to 6 months, especially if you have moved between provinces. Once your complete application is submitted, the Parole Board of Canada has official service standards. For an application involving an indictable offence, the PBC can take up to 12 months to process and render a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Author: lawyerinfo.ca