On Friday, September 20th, 2013, Pardon Services Canada was a proud sponsor of “The Art of Criminal Law: Issues and Opportunities”, a seminar presented by the Trial Lawyers Association of BC. Attending such events ensures that we maintain a finger on the pulse of changes in the legal industry and an ongoing relationship with the criminal lawyers who help our clients before they are convicted.
The topics at the seminar this year were very timely, and included several discussions related to mandatory minimum sentences as well as how and why electronic devices can be used to obtain evidence. Other topics related to cross examination, self defense, and of course, an agenda item related to the always newsworthy topic of marijuana. There were many lawyers in attendance from all over the province, united by a common cause to protect and defend the proper administration of justice in Canada. Although often looked down upon, criminal defense lawyers are an essential “check and balance” in the Canadian legal system, ensuring the lawful and fair treatment of those suspected or accused of a crime.
It was noted by a former organizer of this annual seminar that the changes to the Pardon/Record Suspension process would have been a very timely subject, and we of course, agree. Although most lawyers do not complete Record Suspension applications for their clients-it is a costly and timely process on both ends-some still do perform this service, and are certainly asked by their clients about it regularly.
I had the opportunity to speak at length with several attendees about the changes in legislation last spring, and how they have impacted our operations. We (the lawyers and I) agreed that obtaining a Record Suspension is definitely much more difficult than previously, and not only as a result of the increased waiting period, higher cost and designation of some offenses as ineligible. As providers of Record Suspension application preparation services, we are all noting that the Parole Board of Canada is more particular than ever, scrutinizing applications to an ever greater degree than before; the result is more Petitions to Deny. For those who are unaware, a Petition to Deny is a first response from the Parole Board of Canada which essentially informs the client that unless more information is received to bolster their application, the Parole Board will deny their request for a Record Suspension.
We help our clients compose their responses to a Petition to Deny, at no extra charge for our Premium and Executive clients. We also now offer this service for the first time to non-clients, at a rate of $ 455 plus tax because other companies do not have experience in, or do not include formulating these responses as part of their service. We believe in the Record Suspension process, and the result that granted request can have on a person’s livelihood, self esteem and quality of life, which is why we will now assist even those clients who did not complete their application with our company.