There are many reasons why people need to get their criminal record removed with a Canada Pardon. The most common reasons are for job or immigration purposes, but more and more we are hearing of people not being able to get a volunteer position because of an old criminal record.
Even if your criminal charges have been dismissed, withdrawn, acquitted or conditional or absolute discharge, your name will still appear on a criminal background check until you do a file destruction of your fingerprints, photos, courts and police reports.
Here is a letter from a person we recently helped to remove a theft under charge:
“My contact with the police came with the onset of a mental illness, a major symptom of which is psychosis – a disruption of logical processing in the brain.”
“My behaviour was I’m sure at time inappropriate and perhaps even frightening, but not criminal.”
“However, when I was asked to complete a background check for volunteer work, I discovered that I had a police file containing my shoplifting charge and complaints of disturbing the peace and trespassing (for which I was fined).”
“Unfortunately, having this criminal record prevented me from volunteering for my daughter’s school.”
If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.
