A criminal record can affect nearly every aspect of your life, from employment opportunities to international travel and professional licensing. Many individuals in Alberta feel frustrated when past mistakes continue to limit their future prospects. If you are seeking guidance on how to clear your record, speaking with a Criminal Defence Lawyer can help you understand the legal options available and whether you qualify for a record suspension under Canadian law.
At Centobin Law Office, we assist clients across Calgary with criminal record issues, including record suspensions (formerly known as pardons), file destruction, and peace bond resolutions. Our Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary provides strategic advice tailored to your specific circumstances, ensuring you understand eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and how the Parole Board of Canada evaluates applications.
A criminal record in Canada is created when an individual is convicted of a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada or other federal statutes such as the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The record is maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database.
A criminal record may include:
Even minor offences can appear on background checks conducted by employers, volunteer organizations, border agencies, and immigration authorities.
In most cases, a criminal record cannot be permanently erased. However, you may apply for a Record Suspensionthrough the Parole Board of Canada.
A record suspension does not delete the record but sets it aside. This means:
As a Criminal Defence Lawyer, we frequently explain that a record suspension is the primary legal method to “seal” a criminal record in Canada.
A record suspension (formerly called a pardon) is an official decision by the Parole Board of Canada that separates your criminal record from other criminal records in the CPIC system.
However, it does not:
You must submit a formal application and meet strict eligibility criteria.
To qualify for a record suspension in Canada, you must:
The waiting period begins only once your sentence is fully completed.
If you are unsure about your eligibility timeline, our team at Centobin Law Office can review your file and provide clarity.
The process of applying for a record suspension can be detailed and time-consuming.
You must request your official criminal record from the RCMP, including fingerprints if required.
You will need:
You must request police record checks from every jurisdiction where you have lived in the past five years.
The application includes:
Errors or missing documents can delay processing. Working with a Criminal Defence Lawyer significantly reduces the risk of rejection due to technical mistakes.
If you received an absolute discharge, your record is automatically removed from CPIC one year after sentencing.
If you received a conditional discharge, it is removed three years after sentencing.
In these cases, you may not need to apply for a record suspension. However, confirming that the discharge has been properly removed is important.
Youth records under the Youth Criminal Justice Act are treated differently.
They are generally sealed automatically after a specified access period, provided there are no further offences. The timelines vary depending on the offence and sentence.
If you have concerns about a youth record, we can review your case and explain whether it remains accessible.
In rare cases, charges may be withdrawn, stayed, or dismissed. If no conviction occurred, you may request record destruction or file destruction from the police service involved.
This process differs from a record suspension and requires direct communication with the police agency.
We often assist clients in Calgary who were charged but not convicted and wish to ensure their fingerprints and photographs are destroyed.
A Canadian record suspension does not guarantee entry into the United States. U.S. border officials operate independently and may still have access to historical information.
If you are concerned about cross-border travel, we can discuss additional legal strategies, including U.S. entry waivers.
The Parole Board of Canada may deny an application if:
Proper preparation and documentation are essential.
While individuals can apply independently, the process can be complex. Incomplete paperwork, missed deadlines, or misunderstandings about eligibility can result in delays or refusal.
As experienced defence counsel in Calgary, we:
Our goal is to make the process efficient and stress-free.
Securing a record suspension can:
Many of our clients describe it as a fresh start.
A criminal record does not have to define your future. Through a record suspension or other legal remedies, it may be possible to seal your record and reduce the barriers that come with a past conviction. If you are exploring your options, consulting a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Calgary ensures you receive accurate guidance tailored to your situation.
At Centobin Law Office, we are committed to helping clients move forward with confidence. As your trusted Criminal Defence Lawyer, we provide clear advice, strategic support, and dedicated representation throughout the record suspension process. Call us today at +1 403-249-1733 to discuss how we can help you take the next step toward a clean slate in Calgary.
