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You've gotten your record suspension, and you feel as though you can put the past behind you.
However, you can't rest on your laurels. You might not be aware that record suspensions can be revoked. So, if you re-offend, your criminal record will go right back into federal databases.
Record Suspensions Aren't Permanent?!?!
The record suspension you worked so hard to get is conditional. Lawyers from the firm Boyne Clarke note that the record suspension will only remain in effect if three conditions are met: if you are not convicted of another offence, if you maintain good conduct, or if you made false statements when you applied for the record suspension.
The Good News...
The Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc. points out that not all record suspension revocations are automatic. Your record suspension might not be revoked if you have re-offended. Let's say you received a pardon for a theft you committed 30 years ago. Then, last weekend, you were caught driving drunk. Parole Board Canada might choose not to revoke your pardon for the theft because the drunk driving offence wasn't related. Another example the Canadian Legal Resource Centre brings is that of an offence committed by a minor that was purged. Once such an offence is purged from your record, it disappears completely.
The Canadian Legal Resource Centre has a good rule of thumb for record suspension revocations: your record suspension will be automatically revoked if you're convicted of a new indictable offence, and might be revoked if you're convicted of a new summary offence.
How Can I Maintain My Record Suspension?
Remember, your record suspension will only be revoked if you do not commit another crime and you stay on your best behaviour. For some people, that might be an easy task. Others might have more difficulty staying out of trouble.
Trevor Philpott, co-founder of the British organization Life Change Initiative, works with offenders to help them change their lives and turn away from crime. He suggests that serial offenders need to change their thought patterns and behaviour in order to improve their situation.
What Can I Do to Change My Behaviour?
Philpott notes that criminals frequently lack family support, education and proper nutrition. No, you can't go back and undo all of the damage that was done during your childhood. You can, however, change the present to create a better future for yourself.
Friends
You might not be able to choose your family, but you can definitely choose your friends. Pick people who are supportive of your commitment not to re-offend. You also want to surround yourself with friends who exercise good judgement and will encourage you to make positive choices, like getting involved in volunteer work as opposed to committing crimes.
Education
You don't need to spend thousands of dollars or obtain a fancy degree. Education can be as simple as taking a course at a community centre on something that interests you. If you do want to pursue a degree or diploma, you might be able to find financial aid.
Nutrition
You might wonder, "How does what I eat affect my behaviour?" There's always been a strong connection between what you put into your body and how you act. When you eat food that isn't healthy, you might not treat yourself as well. Eating a balanced diet reminds you that you're worth taking care of, which might inspire you not to re-offend.
Mentioned:
- Boyne Clarke, General Information about Criminal Records and Pardons
- Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc., Record Suspension
- Life Change Initiative, Reducing Re-offending and Anti-Social Behaviour
