In Canada, a criminal record lasts for your entire life unless you successfully apply for a Record Suspension (formerly a pardon). You must complete your entire sentence and wait either 5 years for a summary conviction or 10 years for an indictable offence before applying to the Parole Board of Canada, which currently charges a $50 CAD application fee.
Many people assume that a criminal conviction will simply “drop off” their record after a few years. If you were convicted of an offence in Mississauga, your criminal record is permanently logged in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means any local police force, border agency, or potential employer running a background check will see your history.
Having a criminal record can make it extremely difficult to find a good job in Mississauga, volunteer at your child’s school, or travel outside of Canada. 🚫 Fortunately, the Canadian justice system offers a second chance through a process called a Record Suspension. Getting this suspension removes your record from the public CPIC database, allowing you to move forward with a clean slate.
Step-by-Step Process for a Record Suspension in Canada
Whether your conviction happened at the Brampton courthouse or elsewhere in Ontario, the rules for clearing your record are federal. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) manages all Record Suspensions. The application requires careful attention to detail, as any missing document can cause your file to be rejected.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Wait Time
Before you do anything, you must ensure you have completed all parts of your sentence. 📅 This includes paying all court fines, finishing probation, and serving any jail time. Once your sentence is entirely finished, the clock starts. You must wait 5 years for a summary conviction (less serious) or 10 years for an indictable offence (more serious).
Step 2: Obtain Your Criminal Record from the RCMP
You cannot apply without an official copy of your criminal record. You must get your fingerprints taken at a local accredited agency in Mississauga or by the Peel Regional Police. These fingerprints are sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ottawa, who will mail you your official certified record.
Step 3: Get Court and Local Police Records
Next, you must gather court documents for every conviction on your record. 📄 If you were convicted in the Peel Region, you will need to contact the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse. You must also request a Local Police Records Check from the Peel Regional Police to prove you have not been in any recent trouble.
Step 4: Submit Your Application to the Parole Board
Once you have compiled all the required forms, identity documents, and background checks, you submit your completed application to the Parole Board of Canada. It is highly recommended to consult with a criminal defence lawyer or a reputable record suspension service to review your package before sending it.
How Much Does it Cost in Mississauga?
Clearing your name requires paying several administrative fees to different government agencies. 💵 While doing it yourself is cheaper, many residents choose to hire a local lawyer to ensure the complex paperwork is done perfectly.
- Parole Board Application Fee: The federal government currently charges exactly $50 CAD to process a Record Suspension application.
- Fingerprinting and RCMP Fees: Getting your fingerprints taken in Mississauga usually costs about $65 to $85 CAD.
- Local Police and Court Fees: Peel Regional Police and the local courthouses may charge between $50 and $100 CAD to process your local record checks.
- Lawyer Fees: If you hire a professional to handle the entire process, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 CAD in legal fees.
| Offence Type | Wait Period | Typical Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Summary Conviction | 5 Years | Less serious (e.g., minor theft, causing a disturbance). |
| Indictable Offence | 10 Years | More serious (e.g., aggravated assault, major fraud). |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Gathering all your documents in Mississauga can take 3 to 6 months. Once the Parole Board of Canada receives your complete application, they follow strict service standards. They will process a summary conviction application within 6 months, and an indictable offence application within 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will a Record Suspension allow me to enter the USA?
Not necessarily. The United States does not recognize Canadian Record Suspensions. If U.S. Customs already has your record in their system, you will still need to apply for a U.S. Entry Waiver to cross the border.
Do peace bonds show up on my record forever?
No. A peace bond is not a criminal conviction. However, it will show up on a local police check while it is active (usually 12 months). Once it expires, it does not require a Record Suspension, though you may need to request a file destruction from Peel Police.
What happens to youth records?
If you were convicted under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, your record is automatically sealed after a certain period (usually 3 to 5 years), provided you do not commit another offence as an adult.
Can the government revoke my Record Suspension?
Yes. If you are convicted of a new criminal offence after receiving a Record Suspension, your suspension will be automatically revoked, and your previous record will be active again.
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