Pardon & Record Suspension Application: Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Pardons: How long is a DUI on your record in Canada?

• The key to getting your Pardon or Record Suspension is to avoid mistakes in your application.
• The Parole Board of Canada rejects a significant percentage of applications because of mistakes.
• Mistakes will cost you time and, in some cases, rejection.
• In this article, I will cover 7 of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them so you can get your Pardon and get it as fast as possible.

Mistake #1 – Incomplete or missing information

• The application for a Pardon in Canada, now called the Record Suspension application, is intimidating because it is long and detailed, making it easy to miss something.
• Sometimes people only answer part of a question.  And there are times when they skip an answer altogether.
• To avoid this mistake, double-check your application to ensure that every question is answered and answered in full.

Mistake #2 – Not being honest

• The Parole Board of Canada will dive deeply into your Record Suspension application to confirm that everything you said is truthful.
• If, for example, you have outstanding fines or penalties, then you are not eligible to get a Pardon, and you shouldn’t apply.
• The Parole Board will find out the truth, so be honest with every answer.

Mistake #3 – Confusion about Measurable Benefits

• Many clients are confused about how to answer the Measurable Benefits section.
• We often see responses that don’t make sense or don’t answer the question.  
• And we get it.  
• This part of the Record Suspension application can be confusing, so let me simplify what is being asked.
• The Parole Board of Canada wants to know two things.
• First, how your life will be improved by getting a Record Suspension.  
• And second, how a Record Suspension will help you remain a law-abiding citizen.

Mistake #4 – Confusion about the purpose of a Pardon

• The purpose of a Pardon is clear.  
• After accepting responsibility and paying your dues to society, the Canadian government will hide your criminal record from the public enabling you to get on with your life.
• Key to getting your Pardon or Record Suspension is to accept responsibility.
• The Pardon application is not the place to re-litigate or question your criminal conviction.  
• If you challenge the validity of your conviction in any way, the Parole Board will reject your application.

Mistake #5 – Don’t include the fee

• The Canadian government reduced the fee for a Record Suspension application to $50, but you have to pay it.
• If you forget to include the fee or don’t want to pay it, your application will be returned.

Mistake #6 – Don’t Update a Changed Address

• The Parole Board of Canada needs an up-to-date address so they can contact you.
• The Parole Board may require additional information, and if you do not respond, they may assume you have abandoned your application.
• And, if you are granted a Pardon, they will send that notification to your address on file.
• Keep the Parole Board of Canada updated with your address and contact information.

Mistake #7 – Starting Late

• All of our clients want to get their Pardon as fast as possible.
• But you can’t rush a Pardon application because it takes up to a year to prepare all the documentation.
• If you rush your application preparation, your application will be prone to mistakes.
• To avoid this problem, start your application preparation early.  
• You’ll have the time to carefully complete your application and ensure that the paperwork is correct without any errors.