Record Suspension Lawyer in Brampton
Clear Your Criminal Record and Rebuild Your Life
A criminal record can close doors—employment, travel, professional licensing, volunteering, and even community participation can all become difficult or impossible. As a Record Suspension Lawyer in Brampton with over 10 years of experience in criminal law, I help clients secure record suspensions (formerly known as pardons) so they can move forward without the heavy burden of a past conviction.
Suppose you are ready to restore your reputation and unlock new opportunities. In that case, I can guide you through every step of the record suspension process with precision, confidentiality, and one-on-one support.
Understanding Record Suspensions in Canada
What a Record Suspension Is
A record suspension is a legal process under the Criminal Records Act that removes your criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database when someone conducts a background check. Your record does not disappear, but it becomes sealed and inaccessible to employers, volunteer organizations, and most public institutions.
A record suspension is often still referred to as a “pardon,” but the Parole Board of Canada now uses the term “record suspension.”
Why a Criminal Record Holds You Back
A criminal record can affect nearly every aspect of your life. Many clients come to me because they experience:
- Denied employment due to background checks
- Inability to travel internationally (including the United States)
- Issues obtaining professional licences or certifications
- Difficulty volunteering for community or youth activities
- Barriers in immigration, residency, or citizenship applications
- Ongoing stigma associated with past convictions
Clearing your criminal record can immediately improve your quality of life and prospects.
Who Is Eligible for a Record Suspension?
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a record suspension, you must satisfy the requirements set out in the Criminal Records Act:
- You must have completed all components of your sentence, including jail time, probation, conditional sentences, fines, and restitution.
- You must wait the required amount of time after completing your sentence:
- 5 years for summary conviction offences
- 10 years for indictable offences
- You must demonstrate good conduct and have no new criminal charges or convictions.
Who Is Not Eligible
Certain circumstances make you ineligible for a record suspension, including:
- Convictions for sexual offences involving minors (with narrow statutory exceptions)
- Outstanding sentences, fines, restitution orders, or probation terms
- Ongoing criminal matters or recent convictions
- Offences excluded by statute under the Criminal Records Act
If you are unsure about your eligibility, I can review your criminal history and advise you on whether you qualify—and if not, whether steps can be taken to improve eligibility in the future.
How I Help You Get a Record Suspension
A Structured, End-to-End Legal Approach
Applying for a record suspension can be overwhelming and unforgiving. The Parole Board of Canada rejects many applications due to missing information, incorrect forms, or improperly gathered documents. I ensure your application is complete, accurate, and positioned for success.
My approach includes:
- Reviewing your criminal record and confirming eligibility
- Collecting police and court documents from all jurisdictions
- Coordinating RCMP-accredited digital fingerprints
- Preparing your personal history and good-conduct materials
- Ensuring all forms meet the strict formatting and completeness requirements
- Identifying and addressing any issues that could delay or jeopardize approval
- Communicating directly with you throughout the entire process
Why You Should Not Apply Alone
Many self-filed applications are rejected for simple errors such as:
- Missing court documents
- Incomplete police checks
- Incorrect timeframes for residence history
- Errors in sentence completion documentation
- Insufficient responses in the “good conduct” section
A single mistake can delay your application for months—or cause outright refusal. My role is to prevent those errors and strengthen your submission.
Timelines and Costs
How Long Does the Process Take
The timeline depends on several factors, including the type of conviction, document retrieval times, and processing by the Parole Board of Canada. Generally:
- Gathering supporting documents: several weeks to a few months
- Parole Board of Canada processing:
- 6 months for summary offences
- 12 months for indictable offences
Delays are common when forms are submitted incorrectly—another reason to have legal guidance.
Fees and Expenses
Costs typically include:
- Parole Board of Canada application fee
- RCMP fingerprinting fee
- Local police record check fees
- Court document retrieval costs
- My legal fees, which I discuss with clients upfront before any work begins
I offer transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
Why Clients Choose Me for Record Suspensions in Brampton
More Than 10 Years of Focused Criminal Law Experience
With a decade of experience representing clients in Brampton and throughout Ontario, I understand how past charges impact your future—and how to remove those barriers.
One-on-One Representation
When you work with me, you deal directly with me. I handle every part of your application personally.
Detailed Knowledge of Parole Board Requirements
Record suspensions demand accuracy, completeness, and strategic presentation. I ensure nothing is overlooked.
Strategic Document Preparation
I help you prepare strong, good-conduct and rehabilitation materials that support your eligibility.
Transparent Communication
You will always know what to expect, what documents are needed, and where we are in the process.
A Practical, Client-Focused Approach
My objective is simple: help you clear your record as quickly and effectively as possible so you can move forward.
What You Need to Prepare
Required Documents and Information
To complete your record suspension application, you will need:
- Digital fingerprints from an RCMP-accredited agency
- Court information for all your convictions
- Local police records for each city you have lived in during the past five years
- Proof you completed your sentence (fines, restitution, probation, etc.)
- A detailed personal statement reflecting good conduct, rehabilitation, and community involvement
I handle gathering most of these documents on your behalf and guide you through the parts that require your direct involvement.
Benefits of Securing a Record Suspension
A successful record suspension can significantly improve your life by:
- Opening up employment opportunities that require criminal background checks
- Allowing you to pursue professional licences or regulated professions
- Restoring your ability to volunteer in your community or children’s organizations
- Improving your chances with immigration, citizenship, and residency applications
- Reducing stigma and restoring your personal and professional reputation
- Removing barriers to housing, education, and financial opportunities
A clean record often feels like a fresh start—and for many clients, it is.
Contact Me for a Record Suspension in Brampton
Clearing your criminal record is one of the most impactful steps you can take to open new opportunities in your life.
I handle every file personally—from assessing eligibility to preparing documents, drafting supporting materials, and submitting a complete and compliant application to the Parole Board of Canada. When you contact me, you speak directly with an experienced criminal lawyer who understands the process, the risks, and the strategies needed to secure the best possible outcome.
If you are ready to start the process or want clear guidance on your options, reach out to me today.
Call (437) 998-1429 to schedule a confidential consultation and begin the path toward clearing your criminal record.
Frequently Asked Questions
No lawyer can guarantee approval, but I will ensure your application is as strong and complete as possible.
No. All fines, restitution, surcharges, and conditions must be fully completed.
In most cases, no. Record suspensions seal your record from CPIC and most standard employer background checks.
A record suspension does not guarantee U.S. entry. Border officials rely on their own databases. However, clearing your record can improve your situation. For U.S. entry, you may need a Waiver.
Eligibility depends on the type of offence, sentence completion, good-conduct requirements, and waiting periods. I can review your file and confirm this for you.
Common issues include missing documents, incorrect forms, incomplete police history, or poor explanations of good conduct.
Multiple convictions can still qualify, provided each offence meets the eligibility requirements.
Yes. A suspension can be revoked if you reoffend, misrepresent information, or fail to maintain good conduct.
Most applications take between 6 and 12 months once submitted, depending on the offence type and Parole Board workload.