If you forgot where you were convicted in Canada, your first step is to get your fingerprints taken and sent to the RCMP. The resulting certified criminal record will list the arresting police service, which you can use to locate the specific provincial courthouse.
Applying for a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) in Canada requires strict attention to detail. You must gather precise court documents for every conviction on your record. However, many people forget exactly where they were convicted, especially if the offence occurred decades ago or while travelling between provinces.
This is a completely normal challenge. You do not need to rely solely on your memory to track down your court records. By following the official federal process, you can uncover the exact locations of your past convictions. If you find the process overwhelming, considering reaching out to a local lawyer from our directory to help navigate the system.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether your conviction happened in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or a small rural town, the federal process for uncovering your criminal record is the same. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) requires certified documents, so guessing your conviction location is never an option.
Step 1: Gathering Documents via RCMP Fingerprints
Your first step is to obtain a certified criminal record from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). You cannot simply request this by name; you must submit fingerprints. Visit a local accredited fingerprinting agency or your local police detachment.
They will capture your fingerprints digitally and send them to the RCMP in Ottawa. 📄 Make sure to tell the agency that the reason for fingerprinting is to apply for a Record Suspension. The RCMP will process your prints and mail your certified criminal record directly to your home.
Step 2: Decoding Your RCMP Criminal Record
Once your RCMP record arrives, review it carefully. This document lists all your summary convictions and indictable offences across Canada. Look specifically at the column detailing the arresting police force and the court location.
Sometimes, the record might clearly state the city and the specific court, such as the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario or the Court of King’s Bench in Alberta. If the exact courthouse is listed, you can proceed directly to Step 4. If only the arresting police force is listed, you must proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Contacting the Arresting Police Service
If your RCMP record only lists the police department (for example, the Peel Regional Police or the Vancouver Police Department), you must contact them to get a Local Police Records Check. 📞 Provide them with the dates and charges listed on your RCMP record.
The local police can access their internal archives and provide you with the exact address of the courthouse where your trial or sentencing took place. They will also provide you with the necessary police reports required for your Record Suspension application.
Step 4: Obtaining Documents at the Local Courthouse
Now that you know the exact location, you must request your court documents from that specific courthouse. Contact the court clerk and request the Information (or Indictment) and the Certificate of Conviction for your charges.
Every province operates differently. In Quebec, you will contact the Cour du Québec or Cour supérieure. In British Columbia, you will contact the Provincial Court or Supreme Court. Ensure you mention that these documents are for a Record Suspension application.
Step 5: Filling Out the Required Forms
Once you have all your court and police documents, you can begin filling out the official forms provided by the Parole Board of Canada. ✅ Cross-reference the dates and locations on your court documents to ensure complete accuracy.
If your conviction was handled by a military court, the process is slightly different, and you will need to contact the Office of the Judge Advocate General. A qualified lawyer or law firm can assist you in ensuring all forms are perfectly completed before submission.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Tracking down your convictions and applying for a Record Suspension involves several different administrative fees. You must budget for both local and federal costs.
| Service | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RCMP Fingerprinting | $25 to $65 | Includes the federal fee and local agency fee. |
| Local Police Check | $30 to $75 | Varies depending on the municipality. |
| Court Documents | $10 to $30 | Per courthouse searched. |
| Parole Board Fee | $50 | Mandatory federal processing fee. |
Keep in mind that if you hire a local lawyer to handle the heavy lifting, legal fees will be an additional cost. Generally, law firms charge between $800 and $2,000 to manage a Record Suspension file from start to finish.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Patience is essential. If you have convictions on your record, the RCMP can take up to 120 days to process your fingerprints and mail the results. 🕑 Wait times for local police checks and court documents vary drastically; a small courthouse in Saskatchewan might process your request in a week, while a busy court in downtown Toronto could take a month or more.
Once you submit your complete application to the Parole Board of Canada, processing takes up to 6 months for offences prosecuted by summary conviction, and up to 12 months for indictable offences. Start the process early to avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if the courthouse I was convicted in no longer exists?
If a courthouse has closed, its archives are generally transferred to the nearest regional courthouse or to the provincial archives. You can contact the Ministry of the Attorney General in that province to track down where the files are currently held.
Do I have to visit the courthouse in person?
Usually, no. Most provincial courthouses across Canada allow you to request court documents by mail or online. However, they may require you to mail a certified cheque for the search fees.
Will the RCMP record show convictions from when I was a youth?
Generally, youth records are sealed and destroyed after a certain period of good behaviour under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. However, if you were convicted of an offence as an adult before your youth record was sealed, it may still appear.
Can a lawyer find my conviction location for me?
Yes. Many applicants choose to hire a law firm because lawyers are highly experienced in interpreting RCMP records and communicating directly with court clerks across Canada.
What happens if the court lost my documents?
If the court confirms in writing that your files have been destroyed or lost, you can submit this official written confirmation to the Parole Board of Canada alongside your application. The Board generally accepts this as proof that you attempted to retrieve the records.
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