Pardon

At The John Howard Society we offer a number of Services to help you meet your future goals…

Today, let’s get started by helping you clear your CRIMINAL RECORD and Commence with New Beginnings…

Here are some reasons for obtaining a PARDON:

• Better prospects for employment;

• More freedom to travel outside Canada;

• Greater peace of mind and self-respect;

• Less difficulty getting Immigration Statues;

• Reduced risk of negative impact on child custody, visitation and adoption;

• Less hassle renting an apartment; and

• Improved prospects of meeting educational requirements

Record Suspensions/Pardons:

The John Howard Society of Toronto is pleased to announce this new service implemented to assist people who have been in conflict with the law and who are no longer engaged in criminal activity. We will work with you to assist in acquiring a Record Suspension/Pardon.

Completing this process helps to reduce any stigma and shame associated with past involvement in the Justice System. It will increase your chances of accessing employment, housing and other services.

Take this important step towards new beginnings by contacting our agency to schedule a confidential meeting with our Record Suspension/Pardons worker.

Take the first step today!

WHAT is the effect of a Pardon?

A pardon keeps a judicial record of a conviction separate and apart from other criminal records, and gives law abiding citizens an opportunity to reintegrate into society.

The Criminal Record Act removes all information about the conviction for which you received the pardon from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). Federal agencies cannot give out information about the conviction without approval from the Minister of Public Safety Canada.

A pardon removes disqualifications caused by a criminal conviction, such as the ability to contract with the federal government, or eligibility for Canadian citizenship. If you are convicted of a new offence, the information may lead to a reactivation of the record in CPIC.

WHEN can you apply for a Pardon?

You can apply for a pardon after you have completed all of your sentences AND after a waiting period.

You have completed all your sentences if you have:

• Paid all fines, surcharges, costs, restitution and compensation orders

• Served all sentences of imprisonment, conditional sentences, including parole or statutory release

• Completed your probation order

After completing all of your sentences, you must have completed a waiting period:

• 3 years for Summary Convictions (less serious) 5 years for Summary Sexual Offences

• 5 years for Indictable Convictions (more serious)

• 10 years for Indictable Sexual Convictions

• 10 years for Personal Injury Offences.

How do I apply?

The John Howard Society of Toronto can help you get a pardon quickly, efficiently and inexpensively.

The Pardon process involves:

Pardons Fees

The John Howard Society can undertake all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record. You will be responsible to pay the cost of your pardon application, fingerprints, and a non-refundable administrative fee in the total amount of $ 350 Criminal record checks and courts fee are extra. Some Ontario Works Offices will pay for part or all of the cost of obtaining a Pardon.

Forms & Records

Upon receipt of your fingerprinting result, we’ll set up a private, confidential meeting with a pardons counselor at John Howard Society of Toronto office. With your signed consent we’ll review your fingerprint results, your official records and complete the necessary forms. We will then acquire on your behalf any additional documentation required such as court records, police clearances from other towns or cities where you have resided over the past 5 years.

This part of the process requires attention to detail and is critical in ensuring positive, fast results.

Filing

We will make sure your application is complete and accurate before you sign and file it. How quickly you receive a pardon is dependent on the National Parole Board, which grants and/or issues pardons.

To learn more about the program, please contact 416-925-4386.