Criminal Defense Attorney for a Pardon Application in the Case of
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Montreal
Need a Lawyer for a Pardon Application?
Criminal Defense Attorney for a Pardon Application
At our law firm, which specializes in pardon applications, we help you overcome past mistakes to build a promising future in Canada. Whether you’re looking to expunge a criminal record, improve your job prospects, or lower your insurance costs, our team will guide you through every step of the process. With our legal expertise and commitment to your success, let us help you turn the page and open the door to new opportunities.
• Employment & Professional Associations • Travel Outside Canada • Citizenship Applications • Housing • Child Care • Employer-Provided Insurance • Adoption
What is forgiveness?
Pardon, now officially known as a “criminal record suspension,” allows a person’s criminal record to be set aside in the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) database. Once this suspension is granted, any criminal background check conducted in Canada—whether for employment, housing, or volunteer work—will not reveal that you have a criminal record. This allows you to truly turn the page and regain control of your professional and personal life.
However, it is important to understand that a pardon does not mean that your past is completely erased or obliterated. The Canadian Parole Board maintains this information separately and reserves the right to revoke your suspension if you are convicted of a new offense. Furthermore, although a pardon removes many barriers within Canada, it does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States, where an application for a waiver may still be required.
To be eligible for this application, you must have served your entire sentence (including payment of all fines) and maintained a period of good conduct, which generally ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the nature of the offense. Our team can handle these complex and rigorous administrative procedures for you.
You deserve the best defense
when it comes to a criminal offense.
The process with pardon Canada
The pardon process is a three-step administrative process.
– The first step is to retrieve your criminal record.
• The second step is to gather information from police stations in the cities where you have lived over the past 5 years and from all courthouses and municipal courts where you have been convicted of a criminal offense.
•The final step is to compile the file that will be sent to the Canadian Parole Board. The Canadian Parole Board decides whether to grant the pardon.
Parole board fees (CLCC): $50.
What are the benefits of having a criminal record suspended (pardon)?

Promoting Employment and Housing
A criminal record can be a major obstacle to landing your dream job, joining a professional association, or even finding an apartment. Having your criminal record expunged allows you to successfully pass background checks. This will allow you to apply with confidence and reassure future employers and landlords, without letting past mistakes define you.

Insurance and Citizenship Applications
Having a criminal record greatly complicates the immigration process and can prevent you from obtaining Canadian citizenship or permanent residence. In addition, a pardon greatly simplifies your dealings with insurance companies (auto, home). It prevents you from having to disclose a criminal record, which protects you from being denied coverage or facing exorbitant premiums.
How can we help you?
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way with tailored solutions and ongoing support, whether you need advice, technical assistance, or help defending your rights.
Valérie Riendeau, Esq., 20 years of expertise in pardon applications
With a team of experienced attorneys, some of whom have more than 20 years of practice with the Bar, our firm is the go-to choice for anyone facing financial or economic charges.
Over the years, we have developed specialized and in-depth expertise in cases involving fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. This specialization has enabled us to secure numerous acquittals for our clients, even in cases of extreme technical complexity. We are experts in analyzing financial flows, identifying procedural flaws during commercial searches, and devising the defense strategies necessary to protect your reputation, your career, and your freedom.
But beyond our performance in court, it is our human-centered approach that sets us apart. Recognized for our unparalleled ability to listen, we understand that behind every case is a professional or entrepreneur whose integrity is being called into question. Our top priority remains the rigorous defense of our clients and the strategic resolution of complex cases, often based on a vast amount of documentary evidence.
With our team, you won’t just be a case number; you’ll be listened to, understood, and defended with mathematical precision and absolute vigor.
The Importance of Hiring a Professional to Handle Your Application for a Criminal Record Expungement (Pardon)
Want to put the past behind you? Consult our attorneys in criminal law to understand the eligibility criteria that apply to your situation. After reviewing your case, we will prepare a thorough application to the Canadian Parole Board to maximize your chances of obtaining a criminal record suspension and restoring your reputation.
Why choose Riendeau Avocats for your pardon application?
Accurate Eligibility Assessment
The waiting periods (5 or 10 years) and eligibility criteria are strict. It is essential to consult with an experienced team to review your criminal record and determine the best time to file your application, thereby avoiding costly denials and unnecessary delays.
Comprehensive administrative management
The pardon process requires gathering numerous official documents (criminal records, police reports, fingerprints). At Riendeau Avocats, we handle all of these complex administrative procedures for you to ensure that your application is flawless and complete.
Support for Your Recovery
We believe in second chances. If any obstacles arise while the Commission is reviewing your application, we will work with you to provide the necessary explanations. We work tirelessly to help you regain your full freedom of action and movement.
A criminal record can have serious consequences for your future
Contact us for fast, personalized answers to your questions.
The Pardon Application Process
Eligibility
To apply for a pardon, you must have completed your sentence and met the waiting period (5 or 10 years, depending on the offense). We will review your case to determine the exact time when you can submit your application.
Administrative Procedures
The process requires the collection of numerous documents: fingerprints, criminal records, and police reports. Our team handles these complex logistical tasks to ensure that the application is complete and error-free.
Expert advice
Given the complexity of the Parole Board’s requirements, our expertise is a major asset. We ensure that your application accurately reflects your rehabilitation to maximize your chances of success.
Your Questions About Applying for a Pardon
Starting the pardon application process can raise many questions. Our FAQ helps you understand the eligibility criteria, processing times, and associated fees, so you can take action quickly and with confidence with the help of our specialized attorneys.
This is an official procedure that allows you to have your criminal record set aside in the CIPC database. Once approved, the record will no longer be visible during a standard background check, thereby making it easier to find employment and housing.
To be eligible, you must have completed all of your sentences. This means that all your fines and surcharges have been paid, your probation periods have ended, and you have served your entire prison sentences.
The statute of limitations depends on the nature of the offense and the date it was committed. Generally, for offenses committed after March 2012, the statute of limitations is 5 years for a summary conviction and 10 years for an indictment (felony).
Yes. Specific, more restrictive rules apply, particularly for sexual offenses committed against children. Conversely, there are simplified procedures for offenses involving the simple possession of cannabis.
Once your complete application has been submitted to the Canadian Parole Board, processing times generally range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of offense.
You must act promptly: the criminal record certificate and the documents provided by local police stations are valid for a maximum of one year. If they expire before the application is submitted, they will need to be reissued.
Processing times depend on how quickly the relevant authorities (courts, police stations) handle the cases and on the parties’ cooperation in providing the required documents. Our role is to expedite this process as much as possible.
Our fee for handling an application to have a criminal record expunged from start to finish is $900 + tax per case. This fee covers our expertise, document collection, and close monitoring of your application.
Yes, you must budget for the administrative fees charged by the Parole Board (CLCC) , which currently amount to $50. Other related fees may apply, such as costs associated with fingerprinting or local police reports.
The pardon remains in effect as long as you comply with the law. However, the Parole Board reserves the right to revoke the suspension of your criminal record if you are subsequently convicted of a new offense.
Not necessarily. The pardon is a Canadian measure. U.S. customs authorities are not bound by this suspension. If you have previously been denied entry at the border, you may need to apply fora waiver in addition to the pardon.
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Phone: 438-391-8367
Courriel : info@riendeauavocats.ca