Pardons: How do you get a Pardon in Canada fast?

Pardons: How do you get a Pardon in Canada fast?

• How do you get a Pardon in Canada fast?
• So, one of the most common questions we get at our law firm is, how can I get a pardon in Canada fast?
• Unfortunately, there is no way to fast-track your Pardon application. 
• But, If you focus on document preparation & eligibility timing, you’ll get your pardon sooner and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.
• You may save yourself months, maybe even a year.
• Let me explain how.
• Here are 5 things you need to know about getting a Pardon in Canada fast.

1/  The Parole Board of Canada controls your Pardon timeline

• To understand how to get your Pardon in Canada fast, you need to know who controls the Pardon process.

• Pardons, also known as Record Suspensions, are governed by the Parole Board of Canada.

• The Parole Board of Canada is the only government body responsible for everything to do with Pardons.

• And it is the Parole Board of Canada that will decide the timing of when you get your Pardon.

2/  There are no exceptions for urgent situations

• There is no way to jump the line to get your Pardon application processed sooner.
• That is true even if you have an urgent situation.
• For example, you may need a Pardon fast to get a job, a promotion, or volunteer work.  
• Or you may need to travel to the United States for your job or for family reasons.
• Unfortunately, no matter how urgent your situation is, the Parole Board of Canada will not make an exception to its processing timeline.
• Your Pardon will be considered in the order that it is received and accepted for processing.

3/  Your Pardon will be granted within 6 months or 12 months

• The Parole Board of Canada has committed to timelines on how long it will take to process and grant your Pardon.
• These timelines will only start assuming you are – FIRST – eligible for a Pardon; and – SECOND – that your application is complete.
• Specific timing depends on the severity of the conviction for which you are seeking a Pardon.
• The Parole Board of Canada will process less serious convictions (known as summary offences) within 6 months.
• And more serious convictions (which are known as indictable offences), will be processed within 12 months.
• There is, however, one exception to this 6-month or 12-month timeline.
• If the Parole Board of Canada plans to refuse your Pardon, it may take up to 24 months to process your application.  
• That extended period is needed to give you time to respond and explain why you believe they are wrong in refusing your Pardon.

4/  Get your Pardon faster by focusing on document preparation and eligibility timing

• To get your Pardon fast, you need to understand important timelines.
• First is the time it takes to prepare your Pardon.
• And second is the time it takes to process your Pardon.
• Processing your Pardon is controlled by the Parole Board of Canada, and there is nothing you can do to make them move faster.
• But, what is under your control is the timing involved in preparing your Pardon.

• By focusing on the preparation stage, you can maximize the speed of when you get your Pardon.
• And if you plan right, you can get your Pardon at the earliest time possible.
• This timing can save you many months, in some cases up to a year.
• Let me explain.
• Your pardon application requires significant document preparation.
• Your documents need to be perfectly prepared.
• And that preparation takes time – anywhere between 3 and 12 months.
• This lengthy period has to do with getting documentation from the RCMP, then the courts, and finally the local police.
• These authorities are busy.  So getting on their to-do list in a timely manner and in the right sequence is critical.
• So the sooner you begin this preparation process, the sooner you can apply, and the sooner you can get your Pardon and peace of mind. 
• We recommend that our law firm clients begin preparation about 1-year before they are eligible.

5/  Apply for your Pardon as soon as you are eligible, but not anytime earlier

• Once you have all your Pardon documentation, check it over and ensure it is accurate and complete.
• And send your application to the Parole Board of Canada as soon as you are eligible, do not wait.
• But don’t send in your application before your eligibility date.
• If you apply too soon, or if your application is incomplete, the Parole Board of Canada will reject your application.
• And your Pardon will be delayed if you make those mistakes.
• So you have to get both your documentation and timing right.

To conclude, while you can’t fast-track your Pardon, you can speed up the timing by focusing on document preparation and eligibility timing.

• If you time it right, you will get your Pardon at the earliest possible time and get the peace of mind you deserve.
• Doing this will save you months and, in some cases, up to a year.