In Canada, a criminal record is permanent unless you actively apply for and are granted a Record Suspension (formerly a pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada. Depending on your conviction, you must wait either 5 years for a summary conviction or 10 years for an indictable offence after completing your entire sentence.
Having a criminal record in Ottawa can feel like a heavy shadow that follows you everywhere 🔍. It can prevent you from securing a good job, renting an apartment, or travelling freely across the border. Many people mistakenly believe that their criminal record will simply “drop off” or “expire” after a certain number of years. Unfortunately, under Canadian law, a criminal record is permanent until you take official legal action to have it sealed.
Navigating the rules around criminal records involves federal legislation, specifically the Criminal Records Act, which applies universally across the country. Whether you were convicted of a minor summary conviction or a more serious indictable offence at the Ottawa courthouse, the record remains in the RCMP’s national database. To regain your freedom and peace of mind, you must apply for a Record Suspension. We highly suggest consulting a local criminal defence lawyer or a reputable law firm from our directory to help ensure your application is flawless.
Step-by-Step Process in Ottawa, Ontario
Obtaining a Record Suspension is a detailed administrative process that requires patience and precision 📋. The process is governed by the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), but you will need to gather documents locally in Ottawa. Here is a general breakdown of the necessary steps.
Step 1: Completing Your Sentence Entirely
The mandatory waiting period does not begin on the day you were convicted. It begins only after you have completed every single aspect of your sentence. This means all fines, victim surcharges, and restitution must be paid in full at the courthouse. Furthermore, any period of probation, parole, or statutory release must be entirely finished before the clock starts ticking.
Step 2: Waiting the Mandatory Period
Once your sentence is fully completed, you must wait the legally required timeframe before you can even apply ⌛. If you were convicted of a summary conviction (generally less serious offences), the waiting period is 5 years. If you were convicted of an indictable offence (more serious crimes), the waiting period is 10 years. There is no way to expedite or shorten this mandatory waiting period under current Canadian law.
Step 3: Gathering Local Police Checks and Court Documents
After the waiting period is over, you must gather an extensive package of documents. This involves getting your fingerprints taken and submitting them to the RCMP. You must also obtain Local Police Records Checks from the Ottawa Police Service, or any other police force in a municipality where you have lived for the past 5 years. Additionally, you will need certified court documents from the Ontario Court of Justice or Superior Court of Justice on Elgin Street detailing your convictions.
Step 4: Submitting to the Parole Board of Canada
Finally, you will compile all these documents, complete the official PBC application forms, and submit them with the required federal processing fee 📦. The Parole Board will then review your file to determine if you have been of “good conduct” and whether sealing your record provides a measurable benefit to your rehabilitation. If approved, your criminal record is separated from the active criminal database.
How Much Does it Cost in Ottawa?
Applying for a Record Suspension involves several out-of-pocket expenses. The federal government sets the application fee, but gathering the required documents locally in Ottawa still costs money. Here is a breakdown for March 2026:
- Parole Board Application Fee: The official federal fee is currently $50 CAD.
- Fingerprinting and RCMP Fees: Getting your fingerprints taken digitally at an accredited agency in Ottawa typically costs around $50 to $85 CAD.
- Local Police Checks and Court Docs: The Ottawa Police Service charges a fee for local background checks (usually around $70 CAD). The Elgin Street courthouse may also charge small fees for photocopying and certifying documents.
- Law Firm Fees: Many people hire a criminal defence lawyer or a specialized agency to handle the paperwork. Legal fees for this service generally range from $1,000 to $2,500 CAD.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Who You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Federal PBC Fee | $50 | Receiver General for Canada |
| Fingerprinting & Local Checks | $120 – $160 | Ottawa Police / Accredited Agency |
| Lawyer Assistance (Optional) | $1,000 – $2,500+ | Your Chosen Law Firm |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Besides the mandatory 5 or 10-year waiting period, the application process itself takes time. Gathering all the documents from the Ottawa courthouse and local police stations usually takes 3 to 6 months. Once your complete application is submitted to the Parole Board of Canada, they have specific service standards: 6 months to process an application for a summary conviction, and 12 months for an indictable offence. Therefore, the entire administrative process can easily take a year or more 📅.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a Record Suspension erase my criminal record completely?
No, it does not erase or delete the record. It seals it. The RCMP removes your record from the active Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database, meaning it will not show up on standard background checks for employment or housing.
Will a Record Suspension allow me to travel to the United States?
Not necessarily. US Customs and Border Protection does not recognise Canadian Record Suspensions. If the US border guards previously downloaded your CPIC file before your record was suspended, they will still see it. You may need to apply for a US Entry Waiver to travel south.
What happens if I was charged but not convicted (e.g., acquitted or charges withdrawn)?
If you were not convicted, you do not have a criminal record, but the police still have a record of your arrest and fingerprints. You do not need a Record Suspension. Instead, you need to apply directly to the Ottawa Police Service and the RCMP for a “File Destruction” to have your photos and fingerprints destroyed.
Can the government revoke my Record Suspension?
Yes. A Record Suspension is conditional on your continued good behaviour. If you are convicted of a new criminal offence, your Record Suspension will automatically be revoked, and your old criminal record will become visible again alongside the new conviction.
Can an employer in Ottawa see my suspended record?
Generally, no. A standard criminal record check will come back “clear.” However, if you are applying for a job that involves working with vulnerable populations (like children or the elderly), a Vulnerable Sector Check may still reveal certain suspended records, particularly sexual offences.
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