The consequences of a criminal record can be devastating. A criminal record can make it difficult to find a job, housing, or education explains William D King. It can also make it difficult to travel and even get a driver’s license.
In addition to the consequences that come with having a criminal record, there are also some myths about criminal records that need to be debunked. One such myth is that a criminal record is permanent. This is not true. A criminal record can be cleared through the process of expungement.
Another common myth about criminal records is that they cannot be sealed or destroyed. This is also not true. Criminal records can seal and destroy through the process of destruction or sealing respectively.
The notion of punishment is generally limiting to the term jail sentence. After serving their time, convicts are expect to make a fresh start in life and eschew criminal conduct. However, with a criminal record, it is virtually impossible for ex-offenders to escape the long-term consequences of their conviction.
What is a criminal record?
A criminal record consists of information about an individual’s involvement in the Canadian justice system as an offender or victim says, William D King. It includes such matters as convictions under federal and provincial statutes, findings of guilt under selected Criminal Code provisions where the judge has failed to impose a sentence (e.g., administration of justice offenses), entries relating to young offenders, and outstanding warrants. There are two types of records: those that remain under continuous retention and those that have been purge (i.e., sealed).
The continuous records may be retain by CPIC indefinitely, whereas the purge records are retain for a specific period of time and then destroyed.
How does a criminal record affect an individual?
A criminal record can have a devastating effect on an individual’s life. It can impede an individual’s ability to find employment, volunteer, travel, and secure housing. A criminal record may also affect an individual’s ability to obtain a loan or financial assistance.
An employer who conducts a criminal background check may refuse to hire an applicant with a criminal record. Many volunteer organizations require individuals to provide a police check before they can participate in their activities. Some municipalities require residents to provide a police check before they can register their pets. Traveling outside of Canada may be difficult if one has a criminal record as some countries will not allow entry to individuals with a criminal record.
There are a number of ways that an individual can seek to have their criminal record expunged. The most common way is to wait the required time period and then apply for a pardon. A pardon (now known as a Record Suspension) is a formal process whereby an individual can ask the Parole Board of Canada to review their criminal record and, if appropriate, order that the criminal record is aside or destroy explains William D King.
An individual may also be able to apply for a Record Suspension if they were convicting of an offense under the Youth Criminal Justice Act before they turned 18 years old and have served all sentences imposed on them. There are also circumstances where an individual may be able to apply for a Record Suspension if they were convict of an indictable offense and received a conditional sentence order.
An individual who is not eligible to apply for a Record Suspension may be able to seek a pardon from the United States government. If they were convict of a criminal offense in that country.
The long-term consequences of having a criminal record are significant. And can hinder an individual’s ability to live a normal life. It is important for individuals with a criminal record to understand their rights. And how they can seek to have their criminal record expunged.
Conclusion:
A criminal record can have a devastating effect on an individual’s life says William D King. It can impede an individual’s ability to find employment, volunteer, travel, and secure housing. A criminal record may also affect an individual’s ability to obtain a loan or financial assistance.
An employer who conducts a criminal background check may refuse to hire an applicant with a criminal record. Many volunteer organizations require individuals to provide a police check before they can participate in their activities. Some municipalities require residents to provide a police check before they can register their pets. Traveling outside of Canada may be difficult if one has a criminal record as some countries will not allow entry to individuals with a criminal record.