If you're looking to get a pardon and clear your criminal record, make sure you hire an organization that you trust.
Sometimes taking the first step towards addressing your past convictions can seem daunting and overwhelming, but with the right company behind you it doesn’t have to be. AllCleared has been in business since 1989 making us one of the longest running Pardon Services in Canada. Our long-standing leadership status has helped us establish valuable relationships with police agencies, the Parole Board of Canada, the Canadian Centre for Police Information (CPIC), Canada Immigration & Citizenship, the Department of Homeland Security, and various courthouses across both Canada and the US. Our team is composed of Client Advisors, Case Managers and Immigration Consultants with RCMP clearance. We hold a strong belief at AllCleared that a person’s past mistakes should not dictate their future and take pride in bringing this sentiment to fruition.
Unfortunately, in recent years we have noticed an increase in fraudulent companies across Canada that claim to specialize in Record Suspension and Travel Waiver applications. There are several steps that you can take in order to ensure you do not fall victim to one of these companies.
How long has the company been in business?
The length of time a company has been operating for is a strong indication of its legitimacy. While fraudulent companies unfortunately do surface, it is often for brief periods of time as they can not stay open once clients quickly start realizing that they aren't getting what they signed up for. Similarly, companies that do not have the necessary skills or infrastructure to compile these applications successfully and therefore have a low success rate will not be able to operate for long periods of time either. Companies that have existed for longer periods of time are more trustworthy as it means they have been able to deliver quality service and successful outcomes to their clients.
Quick facts ...
Established in 1989, AllCleared is the first and longest running pardon company in Canada.
Over 3 decades of experience in pardon services.
Helped clients with over 300,000 successful applications.
We added immigration services to help clients get a #FreshStart.
Reviews
Reviews on various platforms can help you determine the legitimacy of a Pardon Service company. Due to the nature of work carried out by pardon services oftentimes people will avoid leaving Google Reviews as these reviews can display the client’s full name and are also linked to their Google account. As a result, some Pardon Services often use other websites such as Trustpilot to gather reviews. These websites allow their clients to maintain a level of anonymity when leaving reviews. Reading about other clients' experiences is a good way to distinguish between the quality of service different Pardon services provide. AllCleared recently partnered with Trustpilot and you can follow this link to read our reviews https://ca.trustpilot.com/review/allcleared.com.
Community Involvement, Partnerships and Industry Leadership
Strong ties between complementary organizations fosters collaboration, respect, longevity, and allows companies to help even more people and make a bigger impact in communities. In the industry of pardon services, we know that the people who need our services are looking for a fresh start by clearing their record. People who approach us may have come from troubled backgrounds, simply made a regrettable mistake decades past, or were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Each and every one of these people have turned their lives around and are looking for a second chance. At AllCleared, we have long-standing relationships with court and police agencies across Canada and the US, including the RCMP.
We also know the importance of giving back to our communities. Our long-standing reputation has helped us establish valuable and unique relationships with police agencies, the Parole Board of Canada, the Canadian Centre for Police Information (CPIC), Canada Immigration & Citizenship, the Department of Homeland Security, and courthouses across North America. AllCleared is the only company to be partnered with a police service allowing direct access to CPIC.
We are grateful for opportunities to spread awareness, be leaders of change, offer industry expertise and broadcast our stories of impact since 1989. Since inception, our forward-thinking approach to criminal justice and advocacy for policy change has led us to become industry leaders on a variety of topics including:
- Jobs and economic issues and the struggles of local families;
- Marijuana legislation and youth pardons;
- Changes to pardon laws;
- Tough on crime measures and the impact on families and individuals;
- The stigmatization of persons with criminal records;
- Issues related to pardons, Record Suspensions, and criminal records;
- Border Security;
- Travelling with a criminal record.
Click here to see more of AllCleared in the CBC, MacLean's, LawNow, The Globe and Mail, CTV, London Free Press, and more.
It is important to look for companies that go beyond offering simple pardon services as their business model. Here are some examples of impactful campaigns that we are grateful to have been a part of and continue to support ...
Lift the Burden An advocacy campaign sponsored by AllCleared aims to help erase the stigma of a past criminal record and advocate for legislative amendments to make record suspensions (formerly called pardons) free and accessible to all law-abiding Canadians. AllCleared’s campaign has been acknowledged as worthy by the Solicitor General of Canada and the Attorney of Canada and the Minister of Public Safety and changes to legislation are being considered.
ProAction Cops & Kids AllCleared is a sponsor of the charitable organization that delivers community-based programs developed and delivered by police officers that specifically engage at-risk young people to help create mutual understanding and respect.
Recovery Day BC Canada’s largest mental health and addiction recovery street festival, a special event that AllCleared has sponsored for many years. People in recovery from addiction and mental health issues will join friends and family to build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and obtain resources in improving life for individuals, families, and communities. AllCleared also donates free services as part of a draw, which has become one of the most popular sponsorship opportunities amongst Recovery Day and its attendees.
JustKids by Elizabeth Fry Society We show support by collecting books and toys for the children of incarcerated mothers. In the absence of programs and family support, many of children face a number of challenging circumstances.
Beauty NightBeauty Night is an award-winning volunteer-run, registered Canadian charity that builds self-esteem and changes the lives of women and youth living in poverty. The Beauty Night evenings are held at organizations such as the Elizabeth Fry Society, shelters, health care facilities, drop-in centres and transition homes. AllCleared staff collects cosmetic products for an effective volunteer-run charity that builds self-esteem of women living in poverty. Beauty Night evenings are held at organizations such as the Elizabeth Fry Society, shelters, health care facilities, drop-in centres and transition homes.
Canadian Association of the Chiefs of Police As a sponsor, AllCleared supports the Association’s dedication to the support and promotion of efficient law enforcement and to the protection and security of the people of Canada.
Ontario Association of the Chiefs of Police The Association defines critical policing issues and develops sound and constructive positions to assume an advocacy role in partnership with the community. AllCleared is a long-time sponsor and Charles Mecier, AllCleared's Vice President, is a Life Member.
Canadian Club of Vancouver AllCleared has been a long-time sponsor of the Club which celebrates the success of Canadians in the arts, business, public affairs, and sciences.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The best way to find out if the company you are considering signing up with is a legitimate operation is to research them on Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB is one of the largest and most respected independent business review organizations in Canada. Pardon services that are not registered with BBB are oftentimes illegitimate and therefore should be avoided. To get BBB accredited the company must submit an application to be reviewed along with the business in question and must meet, and continuously meet, the accreditation standards set out by the BBB. In order to obtain an A+ rating the company must score 97 or more points. An A+ rating shows the BBB has the highest degree of confidence that the listed business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer complaints. The ranking system on BBB can also determine which Pardon companies operate most efficiently. The BBB accreditation system represents how trustworthy the business in question is as they must meet the following 8 principles which are important for creating and maintaining a trustworthy business.
1. Build Trust
Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
- Be actively selling products or services.
- Fulfill all competency and trade licensing requirements.
- Maintain at least a B rating at the local office and its headquarters.
2. Advertise Honestly
Follow established legal and ethical advertising and selling practices, including, but not limited to, the BBB Code of Advertising.
- Work with BBB and agree to modify, substantiate or discontinue advertising and selling practices when recommended.
3. Tell the Truth
Honestly represent products and services, including clear and prominent disclosures of all material terms. Be clear in all written and verbal representations and include all relevant facts in all transactions.
4. Be Transparent
Openly identify the nature, location, and ownership of the business, and clearly and prominently disclose all material facts that bear on a customer's decision to buy. Upon request, promptly provide BBB with all information requested to ensure adherence to BBB standards. Clearly and prominently provide to customers:
- direct and effective means to contact the business;
- the business' return/refund policy;
- any recurring commitment into which the customer may be entering, including automatic renewals, payments or other financial commitments;
- total cost of the transaction, including tax, shipping and handling, and other related charges prior to completion of the transaction;
- any known delays or shortages of stock;
- a receipt summarizing the transaction after the purchase.
5. Honor Promises
Fulfill all contracts, commitments and representations.
6. Be Responsive
Address disputes forwarded by BBB quickly and in good faith. Provide a response to each complaint that:
- Is professional,
- addresses all significant issues raised by the complainant,
- includes appropriate evidence and documents supporting the business' position, and
- explains why any relief sought by the complainant cannot or should not be granted.
Participate in mediation, arbitration or other dispute resolution services as requested by BBB. Honor any settlements, agreements or decisions reached as an outcome of a dispute resolution process.
7. Safeguard Privacy
Protect any data collected against unauthorized disclosure and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information. Disclose handling practices for personal information, including but not limited to:
- Ensure sensitive data (credit card, bank account numbers, Social Security/Social Insurance number, salary or other personal financial or health information) is collected and transmitted via secure means.
Businesses will comply with applicable legal requirements and industry standards for the protection and proper disposal of all sensitive data, both online and offline.
8. Embody Integrity
Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity, good faith and intent to do what is reasonably expected.
Transparent Fees
Some companies do not disclose all fees from the outset. For example, if you are applying for a Record Suspension the Parole Board’s filing fee is currently $657.77. This fee is paid to the PBC upon submitting your application and is usually separate to a company’s legal fee. If you are applying for a US Entry Waiver the Department of Homeland Security’s filing fee is $585 USD and this fee is usually separate also. If a company is not being honest and forthcoming with all fees and disbursements included in the application it is a red flag, and not a good sign of the service you are going to receive throughout the application.
