A Proposal to Deny letter means the Parole Board needs more information to approve your application. On some occasions the Parole Board will respond to a Record Suspension application with a “Proposal to Deny.”

What is a Proposal to Deny?

A Proposal to Deny is just like it sounds. At this point, the Parole Board is considering saying no to the application. However, they want an explanation from you first. The Parole Board will never come right out and say no to your completed application. Instead, they will propose that they are going to deny it and then give you an opportunity to respond.

Why do they ask for this?

In fact, there are some common reasons why the Parole Board might request more information.

You did not appear to accept responsibility for your actions: Maybe you blamed what happened on others. Maybe you did not appear remorseful. Above all, it’s important to show that you’ve grown and changed since the incidents.

Negative police contact: Surprisingly, sometimes the Parole Board will bring up things that weren’t criminal charges as evidence that a person is not reformed. For example, they could raise:

• Late night visits by the police to your home
• Being with someone who is using drugs or drinking and driving
• Having multiple traffic tickets

These things can all cause suspicions that you will not be able to maintain good conduct.

Seriousness of the offence: The government has introduced new criteria to granting a Record Suspension. They do not want to be embarrassed by notorious criminals being granted pardons. Therefore, they have stated that the Record Suspension must not bring the administration of justice into disrepute. Unfortunately, in some cases ordinary people can be tarred by the same brush as high profile offenders.

The important thing to remember is that you have an opportunity to tell your side of the story.

How should I respond?

When you respond you will write a letter addressing their concerns. Here are some tips.

• Take responsibility for your actions.
• Don’t argue about it.
• Address each concern and explain why it happened.
• Show the Parole Board how you’ve changed. Some examples you could talk about are:
  • Going back to school
  • Participating in job readiness or life skills courses
  • No longer associating with a “bad crowd”
  • Getting a job or starting a business
  • Becoming a responsible parent
  • Helping your family or neighbours or volunteering in the community
  • Getting treatment for related addictions or mental illness

It may seem like a terrible setback to get this letter. However, it is not impossible to overcome. The key is to prepare a good response.

If you want to put forward the best Record Suspension application possible, get in touch with us. We have been preparing Record Suspension applications since 1989. Call us today at 1-866-972-7366.