Check your eligibility for a pardon
PARDON SERVICE
Support in applying for Pardon or Exemption Application
Would you like to take steps to have your criminal record suspended, also known as a “pardon application”? Would you like to travel to the United States despite your criminal record? Are you facing charges for which you have not been found guilty yet?
We are here to help you! Our assistance and support services are free of charge, and we offer personalized support throughout the process.
Please note that we are currently not accepting new applications for criminal record suspensions (pardon applications). The large number of applications we have received in recent months has forced us to take this measure to maintain the quality of our services and ongoing cases and to preserve the well-being of our team. Please check our website regularly or follow us on social media to stay informed of any changes. We appreciate your patience!
Our staff is available for individual meetings to:
Provide you with information and guidance throughout the process
Help you fill out the various forms
Answer your questions throughout the process
Make copies of your documents for your files
Check the various documents required to submit your application
Pardon Service
A criminal record suspension blocks access to your criminal record. This means that the information contained in the registry will no longer be accessible, except in some cases.
The pardon application is sent to the Parole Board of Canada, which reviews applications and decides whether to grant the suspension. Anyone who is eligible can fill out the documents him or herself. There is no need to hire a lawyer or pardon counselor to complete an application. As a non-profit organization, Alter Justice offers support throughout the process at no cost.
Pardon application: what you need to know…
Costs:
- 50$
Pardon application - Approximately 90$
Fingerprinting - Other fees
Depending on police stations/municipal courts
Total application cost: Approximately $150 to $400
This estimate applies to most pardon applications, but the total may be higher in some cases. For example, if offences were committed in several cities, several police station fees may be applied.
Do I need to hire a pardon conselor or lawyer?
NO. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the only federal agency authorized to order a record suspension, and you do not need to hire a pardon conselor or lawyer to apply for a record suspension.
Although you may do so, please be aware that this WILL NOT:
Speed up the processing of your application
Give your application special status
Guarantee that the application will be granted
Beware of Hidden Costs!
Also, if you hire a pardon conselor or lawyer, you will have to pay additional costs for their services. Please note that it is impossible to apply for a pardon with a counselor or lawyer at no cost or to receive a discount.
For more information, visit the Parole Board of Canada website. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to report your situation. We can also assist you with this process. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to tell them about your situation. We can also assist you in this process.
Contact us for more information.
Timeframes
Generally, 12 to 24 months.
When can I apply for a pardon?
Five or 10 years after serving all sentences
Please note that changes have been made for individuals whose last offence was committed before 2012.
Does the suspension of the record erase the criminal record?
No. Applying for a pardon allows a person’s criminal history to be set aside, making its contents inaccessible to the public. However, if the person who has obtained a pardon is convicted of a new offence, their criminal record will be “reactivated”.
Does the suspension of the record erase the criminal record?
If you were convicted of simple possession of cannabis, contact us to find out if you are eligible for an expedited pardon application!
The advantages of a suspension
After a suspension, no information about your criminal history can be disclosed without the authorization of the Minister of Public Safety Canada. This means that employers and insurance companies will no longer have access to your criminal record. You will also be protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the workplace.
What is the recidivism rate once a record suspension has been granted?
Since 1970, more than 460,000 Canadians have obtained a pardon or record suspension; 96% of them have never had their pardon revoked. The vast majority of people who have received a pardon or a record suspension remain law-abiding citizens in their communities.
About Criminal Records
What is a criminal record?
It is a complete list of convictions handed down by the courts against a person for an offence under federal law or regulations, corroborated by their fingerprints. The RCMP is responsible for managing criminal records.
When is a criminal record expunged?
Criminal records are kept until the person reaches 125 years old.
Who can access criminal records?
Since criminal convictions are public, anyone who is interested can access your criminal record: employers, legal professionals, insurance companies, etc.
Can I prevent access to my criminal record?
Yes. Applying for a pardon allows you to prevent access to your criminal record. When you are eligible, it is possible to obtain a suspension of your criminal record. This allows your criminal history to be kept confidential. The information it contains will no longer be accessible to the public, except in the case of a criminal conviction or if there is compelling evidence that you have ceased to obide by the law or made a misleading statement when applying for a record suspension.
Can I get a passport?
Yes. A person with a criminal record can apply for a passport.
Can I travel despite my criminal record?
Yes, it is possible to travel. However, it is recommended that you check with the embassies of the countries you wish to visit to see if you might be refused entry due to your criminal convictions. In the United States, for example, a criminal record may be grounds for refusal of entry. Furthermore, even if you obtained a criminal record suspension, you might still be refused entry to the United States, as suspensions are not recognized by the United States. The person with a criminal record may then need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility to the United States. We can also help you with this process.
What are the repercussions of a criminal record?
The repercussions differ from person to person, but a criminal record will have a particular impact on employability, insurability and, in some cases, travel outside the country.
Waiver Service
A Waiver of Inadmissibility allows individuals who would not usually be able to enter the United States to do so with special authorization.
The waiver application is submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which reviews it and grants or denies the waiver. Anyone who is eligible can complete the paperwork themselves and does not need to hire a pardon conselor or lawyer to complete their application. Please note that we are no longer offering assistance with waiver applications for the foreseeable future.
Waiver application: what you need to know…
Costs:
$930 + other related fees = approximately $1,100
Do I need to hire a pardon conselor or lawyer?
NO. Although you can do so, please be aware that using a third party WILL NOT:
Speed up the processing of your application
Grant special status to your request
Guarantee your application is approved
Beware of Hidden Costs!
If you hire a pardon conselor or lawyer, you will also have to pay additional costs for their services. Please note that it is impossible to apply for a pardon with a counselor or lawyer at no cost or to receive a discount.
For more information, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Processing times
Generally, 12 to 24 months.
When can I apply for a waiver?
After serving your sentence, but sometimes possible during probation
Do I have to apply for a waiver every time?
No, but the waiver must be renewed every 1 to 5 years, for life, 6 months before the current one expires.
Fees apply everytime you applys for a waiver.
Does the waiver guarantee the right to enter the United States?
No. U.S. customs officials retain their discretionary power. In rare cases, customs officials may still decide to refuse you entry.
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