Pardons

[paul m]

Hello Everybody. I am not sure if this is the correct area to start this thread or not, but here goes.

People with bipolar are as law abiding as anyone else once their illness is brought under control. Unfortunately until that happens many end up with a criminal record. This can limit job possibilities, volunteer work and even prevent you from going to the USA on vacation

In Cda once 3-5 yrs(depends on yr crime) have passed after your conviction and all terms have been completed(fines and restitution paid , jail and parole completed), you are eligible to apply for a pardon. As long as you have not been convicted of a extremely violent crime like rape, murder etc. you have a very good chance of being pardoned. In Cda this means that your records are sealed and unless you are charged again never re-opened.

You can do it yourself for a little over $100. The forms are available from the national parole board at www.npb-cnlc.gc.ca/ . Or you can google pardons and there are some companies there that will do it for about $600 and for a bit more, complete it quickly in about 6 mths. They have some excellent faqs sections. Take Care. paul m

[Woody]

Some good advice Paul, Thank you

If dealing with the Parole Board is anything like dealing with the family courts, if you can afford the extra cost, it would be well worth it.

[paul m]

Hello Woody. Your pretty close. Without the rush, it takes about 18 mths if you are lucky.

I forgot to mention.For anyone having multiple convictions etc , the wait starts at the end of the last one. But you can have five convictions and you only have to apply for one pardon and it clrs them all.

Something people may not realize. If you have ever been charged with a criminal offense, even if you have never been convicted, you still must apply to have that record removed. It never goes away on its own. (although you need not get a pardon)

This is not a big deal unless your potential employer does a records ck and finds out that you were charged with ***ual assult or theft. Innocent or not, you probably will not get that job. Better to clr your record.

Or perhaps you had a problem with drinking and had several impaired and maybe a minor pot charge. Even though they might have been 30 yrs ago, they will still show up. This can be embarassing if nothing else when applying for a volunteer position. Take Care. paul m

[Rogue]

The information provided about a pardon is 100% correct, i can confirm this. Great information.

[AJ]

I'm guessing that this is not information they give you when you get your 'get out of jail' card. Our past has a way of biting us in the ass, even when we're running as fast as we can in the other direction. Thanks for posting all that good info Paul.

[London-Ontario]

Hello,

To add to what's already been said in the thread, once you have been awarded a Pardon -do not disclose to any employer you have been awarded one, but more importantly do not tell a Security company, such as the Commissionaires Great Lakes that you have one, because security companies will simply contact their sources, such as Insurance Companies to retrieve the pardoned criminal records. Why Insurance Companies? For example; once a stolen property offence has occurred the Insurance Company pays out and is allowed a copy of the criminal disclosure / offence / record for their files.