A criminal record can hold you back in many ways. However, it doesn’t have to be a life sentence. If you have experienced any of the limitations below, you should consider sealing your record with a Record Suspension.
1. Easily find a place to live
If the rental market is tough where you live, it will be even worse once you’re convicted of a crime. This is because many landlords ask you to agree to a record check on the rental application. You might still be able to find a home, especially if you can explain that your convictions were minor or very old, but you’ll probably have to apply to many more rentals than you would if you had a clean record.
2. Become a teacher
As much as the world needs more teachers right now, few schools will accept potential teachers with a criminal record. Employers in this field always require a background check before hiring you. They may decide not to hire you after viewing your record.
3. Get into the medical field
Becoming a nurse, doctor or any other type of medical professional is awesome because you get to help people. However, employers may not be willing to take a chance on you with a record. The may ask you to do a Vulnerable Sector Check,as well. A Vulnerable Sector Check reveals any sexual offences even if you have a Record Suspension. If you don’t have a Record Suspension, employers might be concerned about any prior drug offences, especially if you’ll be working in proximity to any prescription drugs. They may also be concerned about any history of assault. They are risk adverse and will choose a candidate without a record.
4. Work with kids
If you like being around children, you should keep your record clean because any past crimes might bar you from getting a job at a day care or preschool. If you try to open your own preschool or day care in your home, officials may deny your licence. The day care field is competitive. Employers will prefer to hire someone without a record.
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5. Get a gambling job
If you have a criminal record, you might find it hard to start a career that involves off-track betting, racing, or working in a casino. This is because such employers typically have to run background checks on applicants. In fact, you may have to get a licence. Casinos have to be strict with who they hire because employees often handle a lot of money, and they don’t want to risk issues with stealing or organized crime.
6. Handle money
Employers may not want to hire you in a position that involves responsibility for cash. This is especially true if your conviction was for fraud, theft or any other crimes involving money. This could keep you from getting a job in fields ranging from finance to retail.
7. Get bonded for your business
You might think you’ll just open your own business if you can’t get a job due to your criminal background. But make sure that business doesn’t require you to be bonded or you may run into issues getting insured. Job titles that usually require the company to be bonded include contractor, maid, accountant and repair person.
8. Volunteer
It can feel good to spend your free time helping others, but you might be discouraged to find that many places that accept volunteers expect a clean record. This might not apply at the local food bank or soup kitchen, but it does at schools or anywhere you’ll be alone with those you’re serving or have access to their home.
9. Get a government job
If you’ve always wanted to work for the government, keep your record clean. People love to criticize what the government is doing with their taxes. Even if a record doesn’t pose an issue, there might be people trying to make it into one. Risk adverse bureaucrats may request record checks. The same problems may arise if you decide to run for local government or boards. Some cities and towns have rules stating that candidates must pass a record check to qualify.
10. Become a police officer
Not surprisingly, you need a clean record if you want to be a police officer. In fact, even a minor offence will make it hard for you to get hired. If you want to apply to become a police officer, you get a Record Suspension first.
11. Buy a firearm with a criminal record
In order to obtain a firearms licence, you must undergo a background check, which includes criminal records. Furthermore, depending on the type of record, a person may have a firearms ban issued by the court. A pardon or Record Suspension will not remove a firearms ban.
If you would like to clear your record, contact us today at 1-866-972-7366 or book a free consultation with our experts.
How long after my probation ends can I get a record suspension or a pardon for a mistimener offence?
Hi Christian, If you have a minor conviction, which is called Summary in Canada, you need to wait five years after your probation ends to apply for a Record Suspension. However, it takes a while to collect all your police records and court documents, so you might want to contact us or get started before your waiting period ends.
How long after my DUI am I able to get a pardon to have it removed for my record
Hi Shannon, A DUI is a hybrid offence. This means it could be either summary or indictable. It’s up to the court. If you are not sure whether your conviction was summary or indictable, you can get the court documents. If it was summary, the waiting period is five years from the end of the sentence. If it was indictable, it is 10 years. The “end of the sentence” means you must pay off all the fines, finish probation, etc, before the waiting period begins.
How much is a pardon and are there installment options? and if so when does the process start at first payment or not until all is paid?
Hi Cindy, We have two tiers of service Standard and Expedited. Please contact us to determine which one is right for you. We have a variety of payment plan options to meet your needs from two payments to 16. The monthly plan starts at $72.45. As soon as you make the first payment we will get started on your application.
Hello my friend.. It was . 20 years ago do you think still on files or not.. the course information not appear on my file. .. but police record check still have .. do i need to remove my record .. thanks
Hi Jane, Unfortunately, a criminal record will not disappear unless you were discharged. If not you will need to get a Record Suspension to clear your record. Please give us a call at 1-866-972-7366.
I got out of jail in 2009 how long do I have to wait to get a pardon
Hi Siphone, Thank you for your question. You probably have an indictable offence, which means you can apply for a pardon in 2019 as long as there were no other conditions of the sentence after that. You might want to start the process in 2018 because it takes some time to collect the documents.
Hi Paul Padons,
How are you doing brother, guess all is good with you?
Have or need a clarification below:
I had a dangerous driving charge that was let go & completed with a Conditional discharge which I fulfilled all the probation requirements ( 1 year with no issues to law & no driving ) got my license reinstated in September 08, 2016.
1. My question is how long does the record stay in my file?
2. Was told I do not have request records to be bunged because it was conditional discharge. Is the information true?
3. If you know, how long does charge/ record stays in my drivers license before I get back to clean?
Please let me get that clarified and we take it from there.
Hi Barias,
Thanks for your questions. A conditional discharge will stay on your record for three years. You do not need a Record Suspension or pardon. The record will be removed from CPIC after three years. Most police stations will update their records, but if they don’t, you might need a purge to prevent it from coming up. After your three years are up, you might want to request a police check at your local department to make sure it’s been removed.
As for the driver’s licence, this is not our area of expertise. You might want to ask a lawyer.
Someone I know says the preschool teacher stole from her (she is the assistant), how can I check if she has a criminal record or violations with children? She is probably from the UK-will a police check show any offences overseas? How can I check employees at other preschools?
Hi Lina, In Canada you cannot conduct a criminal record check without the person’s consent. Best to talk to the authorities at the school about your concerns.
Hi I have a indictable hit and run causing charge and finished my probation and all that in 2014! Can I receive a pardon from previous charges I had from 2006 and before or do I have to wait 10 years from the last charge to clear all my old ones?
Hi Jerett,
Sorry to say that you cannot apply for a pardon until 2024. This is because one of the criteria of the Record Suspension is that you must maintain “good conduct.” If you have a new offence on your record, the Parole Board will say you did not maintain “good conduct.” Also if you have a pardon (Record Suspension) it would be revoked if there was a new conviction.
However, keep your record clean and you will be eligible to apply in 2024.