Demystifying Eligibility Criteria for Record Suspension
Many people who are charged with a criminal offence think that there is no trace of the record if the charge is withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, conditional or absolute discharged. It is true that there is no conviction, but there is still a record of the criminal charge because of the fingerprints.
Because the person was fingerprinted, even though the charge was later stayed, it can still be seen on a criminal background check also known as CPIC or RCMP file.
You only need a Pardon or Record Suspension if you have a criminal conviction, however you would still need a file destruction to remove your prints, photos, court and police records if the charges were withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, peace bond, absolute or conditional discharged.
In the following RCMP file (CPIC report), you can see that the second column is blank because this person does not have a criminal conviction and thereby does not require a Pardon or Record Suspension. However, the fourth column shows the criminal charges that were stayed.
Pardons Canada undertakes all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including: Pardons/Record Suspensions, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S. Entry Waivers.
