Pardons Canada – What Happens When You Get a DUI or Impaired Driving
Many people are unaware that an impaired driving conviction, also known as DUI, driving over .8 milligrams, care and control of a motor vehicle, or refusal to provide a breathe sample are all considered to be criminal offences.
You must ensure that you pay the fine as soon as you can even if you have been given time to pay the fine, as the eligibility requirement for a pardon or record suspension begins once the fine is paid. An individual must then be out of trouble for five years from when the fine is paid.
Its OK to start the application for a pardon or record suspension early with Pardons Canada as we can gather and prepare the documents in advance of the eligibility date.
We help hundreds of people each month across the country who get convicted of a DUI to begin the process of removing the criminal record. Having a criminal record can be an obstacle to employment, coaching, volunteering and travel. It is also an emotional burden to carry the weight of having a criminal record.
Here is a recent email from a person in Calgary, who we helped to obtain a record suspension for a DUI:
“I have finally received the paper regarding my pardon and it was granted. In 2011 I made a horrible choice to get behind the wheel and drive while under the influence, I received a DUI.”
“Looking back I am very ashamed of this decision it was a one time mistake that I will never do again. I feel I have grown and learned so much since this incident. I decided to get my life on track and start a new path. First I started working at the hospital, I was working full time hours and my goal was to buy a brand new car once I got my license back, which I did.”
“The car I chose was a Chevy Cruze, my very first new car. Being able to drive a vehicle again was a whole new experience it made me realise how much I rely on my vehicle for my everyday life. It is so important to respect the fact that you have a license and to make good decisions with it.”
“The next positive choice I made was to further my education in the hospital. Working in the hospital made me realise that is where I was supposed to be. I decided to take the course Therapeutic Recreation, which I am still taking now and just about finished. Everything seemed to fall be falling into place. I was very lucky and got a job as a Recreation coordinator while still taking my course. Working with seniors is amazing and I love every minute of it.”
“Now that my pardon has been granted my next journey begins. I am going to finish this course and also further my education even more. I want to first apply into another Recreation job (which I need a criminal record check for). Once this is a success my plan is to travel. I have been to Mexico every year for the past four years, and now I can finally go everywhere else.”
“A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I have became such a different person that I was years ago. I am so ready to start the new adventures that lie ahead.”
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.
