Criminal Law

If you require a pardon/record suspension, Terry Sheppard is able to apply on your behalf for a flat fee.

To be eligible for a pardon/record suspension, you must complete the term of your sentence, including incarceration, parole and payment of any fines; and then complete the required “conviction-free” period.  For individuals with a summary conviction, the conviction free period is three years.  For most individuals with an indictable conviction, the conviction-free period is five years.  If you are not sure if your conviction is a summary conviction or an indictable conviction, we will assist you.

Having a criminal record can affect you in several ways:

• Employment:  Many employers require a criminal record check and will not hire individuals with a conviction.  It is also impossible for individuals with criminal records to work in any level of government without first obtaining a pardon.
• Child Custody:  Judges can consider the existence of a criminal record as a record of character.  A criminal record is a negative statement of character, but having a pardon will illustrate to a judge that the individual has made a real attempt to rehabilitate as a law-abiding citizen.  This may influence a decision when granting child custody and parenting time.
• Education:  Education in fields such as medicine, nursing, security, the law and child care require a clean criminal record check.  A criminal conviction can create a real barrier in pursuing education in those fields.
• Canadian Citizenship:  Many people are unaware that if they are applying for Canadian citizenship, and they have a Canadian criminal record, their application will be rejected.  If this occurs, they may risk deportation.  For this reason, it is extremely important that these individuals obtain a pardon for their convictions before making an application.
• Volunteering:  Most volunteer organizations, especially those that provide programs for children, will require a clean criminal record check.  Individuals with convictions will find that volunteering for those organizations difficult, if not impossible.  This may even include, for example, volunteering at your child’s school.
• Adoption:  Anyone looking to adopt a child must first pass a vulnerable sector search.  Although the existence of a criminal record will not automatically result in denial of any adoption request, once again, a pardon will provide a positive character reference.
• Travel outside of Canada:  Various countries will deny entry to people with criminal records.  While having a pardon will not automatically guarantee your entry into these countries; again, it will provide a positive character reference.