Pardons Canada: How Long Does it Take to Clear a Stayed charge
If you’ve received a stayed charge in Canada, you might assume it’s no longer an issue. But even without a conviction, police records, fingerprints, and court documents can still exist – and they may show up on background checks.
This can cause problems when applying for jobs, volunteering, or travelling. While you don’t need to apply for a pardon, you will need a file destruction to clear these records for good. Pardons Canada can help make that happen so you can move forward without worry.
What Is a Stayed Charge in Canada?
When you’re charged with a crime and go to court, several things can happen. If it’s your first offence, the charge may be stayed, withdrawn, dismissed, discharged, or resolved through a peace bond or diversion. This results in a non-conviction, but receiving a stayed charge in Canada doesn’t mean your record is clear.
Non-Conviction Doesn’t Always Mean a Clear Record
Many people believe that if their criminal charge was completed as a non-conviction, they do not have a criminal record. This is partially true, but because you were fingerprinted by the police and there is a court record as well, a criminal background check can come back positive. This can often come as a shock to the person who believes that they no longer have a criminal record and can create obstacles to opportunities most people take for granted.
How a Stayed Charge Can Affect You
Even though a stayed charge in Canada isn’t a conviction, it can still create obstacles. Your fingerprints, court records, and police reports may still exist, which means they can show up on background checks.
This can be a problem when:
- Applying for jobs that require background screenings.
- Volunteering, especially in roles involving children or vulnerable individuals.
- Travelling internationally, where some countries may deny entry based on police records.
Since many people assume a stayed charge disappears, they’re often caught off guard when a background check comes back positive. The best way to prevent this? Removing your record through file destruction.
File Destruction for Stayed Charges in Canada
If you have a stayed charge in Canada, you do not require a pardon or record suspension, but you do require a file destruction or purge to remove the prints from the system. Once your file destruction is approved, your criminal background check will be completely clear.
Without this process, your fingerprints, police reports, and court records remain on file, which means they may still appear on background checks. Removing them will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there are no longer any obstacles when it comes to employment, volunteering or travelling.
How Pardons Canada Can Help
Pardons Canada can handle the entire file destruction process to make sure your stayed charge no longer appears in background checks. Our team will help you with eligibility checks, document retrieval, application submission, and follow-ups, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Take the Next Step to a Clear Record Today
A stayed charge may not be a conviction, but it can still create barriers in your life. File destruction is the key to ensuring your record is completely cleared. Pardons Canada can help you start the process today. Contact us now to take the next step toward a clean record and new opportunities.
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.
