pardon who qualifies

Pardons Canada – Who qualifies for a Pardon?

Pardons Canada – Who qualifies for a Pardon? (2023)

There are 3 things you need to know about who qualifies for a Pardon in Canada.

1/ Who is eligible for a Pardon in Canada? 

  • Generally, you can get a Pardon in Canada, which is now called a Record Suspension, if you have: 
  • (1) completed your sentence in full, including paying all fines; 
  • (2) have waited the appropriate time, which can be 3, 5 or 10 years; and 
  • (3) have stayed a law-abiding citizen.
  • There are, however, a few exceptions, which leads to the 2nd question.

2/ Who is not eligible for a Pardon in Canada?

  • There are 3 scenarios where you cannot get a Pardon or Record Suspension in Canada.
  • First, if you have been convicted of 4 or more indictable offences, each resulting in a jail sentence of two or more years.
  • Second, if you were convicted of a sexual assault involving a minor; 
  • And third, if you got a life or an indeterminate sentence.

3/ What is the fastest way to get a Pardon in Canada

  • There is no way to jump the line to speed up the Pardon or Record Suspension process.
  • The same applies even if you have urgent circumstances, such as work or travel emergencies.
  • However, there are 2 things you can do to get your Pardon in the fastest way possible.
  • The first is to prepare early.  
  • Your Pardon or record suspension application may take up to a year to prepare.
  • So starting your preparation before you qualify will allow you to apply on the very first day you are eligible.
  • And second is to ensure you submit a correct and proper application.  
  • The Parole Board of Canada rejects a huge number of applications because of mistakes.
  • These mistakes may delay your Pardon for weeks, months and, in some cases, years.
  • The majority of mistakes, however, can be avoided.
Who qualifies for a Pardon in Canada?

enerally, an individual is eligible for a Pardon in Canada if they have completed their sentence in full, including paying all fines, have waited the appropriate time (3, 5, or 10 years), and have been a law-abiding citizen. However, there are some exceptions such as if an individual has been convicted of 4 or more indictable offences, each resulting in a jail sentence of two or more years, if they were convicted of a sexual assault involving a minor, or if they received a life or an indeterminate sentence.

What is the fastest way to get a Pardon in Canada?

The fastest way to get a Pardon in Canada is to prepare early and ensure you submit a correct and proper application. Starting your Pardon application preparation before you qualify will allow you to apply on the very first day you are eligible. Additionally, submitting a correct and proper application can avoid delays caused by mistakes. The Parole Board of Canada may reject a large number of applications due to mistakes, which can delay the Pardon process for weeks, months, or even years.

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Dan Joffe, Partner, NextLaw - US Waiver Services & DUI
Your ability to keep get a better job, travel or Immigrate to Canada depends on a proper Record Suspension application. Our law firm can change everything. Let’s discuss – FREE!
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Your ability to keep get a better job, travel or Immigrate to Canada depends on a proper Record Suspension application. Our law firm can change everything. Let’s discuss – FREE!

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Dan Joffe, Pardon Lawyer

Daniel holds a JD (LLB) / MBA from Osgoode Hall Law School & the Schulich School of Business at York University, Toronto. Dan is a licensed lawyer in the Province of Ontario.

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Next Law publishes these articles and videos as a service to our website visitors for general informational purposes only. These materials do not, and are not, intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act upon any such information without seeking professional counsel.