Pardons Canada – One Bad Decision (Theft Under) Can Lead to a Lifetime of Pain

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We receive many calls and emails from people who wish to obtain a pardon or record suspension for an old criminal record from something that they did at a bad moment in their lives and they are still paying for it many years later.

A petty theft charge can happen in a moment in a persons life when they are not thinking straight. They are depressed, or going through a divorce or dealing with a death in the family and they do a stupid thing like stealing something from a store without any thought to the consequences. Most people get through that difficult time in their life, pay the punishment for stealing and move on. However, the criminal record follows them for life until they apply for a Canada Pardon or Record Suspension.

Here is a letter we recently received from someone we helped to obtain a pardon for a theft under conviction many years ago:

“I want to take the time to let you know what this pardon/record suspension means to me in my life”

“It took a few years to get this pardon, but it was well worth the wait. My reasons for needing this pardon were more personal than anything.”

“I had gone through a very rough few years back then, and after losing a long time marriage, a home, and struggling with all that grief that goes with that.”

“I made one poor choice or decision to ease my pain and then lived to regret it. One has to learn from that for sure.”

“Thanks for the Pardon and thanks for the closure, it haunted me for a long time.”

If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons, Record Suspensions and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011 or 416-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – New National TV Program Highlights Difficulties of Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

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One of the stars from the acclaimed TV series Dragons Den, Kevin O’Leary is launching a new series called Redemption Inc. which will be about giving ex-cons a chance at getting a job.

Every day we speak to Canadians who have old criminal records which are getting in the way of employment. Most companies in Canada are now doing criminal background checks for new employees and this has made it even harder for people with criminal records to get work.

Imagine you are now a responsible adult trying to get a better job or a promotion at your current job and your 20 year old petty theft, dui, pot possession, assault charge shows up in a criminal background check and you lose the job opportunity because of something that happened 20 years ago. This situation occurs every day across Canada and it could have been prevented if the person had obtained a Canada Pardon.

Even if you have been charged with a criminal offence but the charges were later withdrawn, dismissed, stayed, absolute or conditional discharged, an employer will still see the red flag in a criminal check and can decide accordingly to not hire you as a result of this.

Once a pardon is granted, your will no longer be haunted by your old criminal record and you can continue living your life without the burden of having a criminal record. With the upcoming passing of Bill C-10, it will become more difficult for Canadians to obtain a Canada Pardon but not impossible.

Here is a recent article in the Globe and Mail which talks about the upcoming show “Redemption Inc.” and the challenges that are faced with people who have criminal records to which a pardon has not been granted:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/from-the-big-house-to-the-small-screen/article2295330/

Pardons Canada – Rebuilding your life after your criminal record

www.pardons.org

Sometimes people make poor choices in life and do things in an instant that can result in a criminal charge. We are so fortunate that this country gives us a second chance by way of a Canada Pardon. This way people don’t have to suffer for the rest of their lives because of one poor decision made at a time of stress, depression or other emotional state.

We help many Canadians to obtain a Canada Pardon and as a result we receive hundreds of thank you letters of how the pardon has changed their lives.

Here is a letter we recently received from a person we helped to obtain a pardon for a theft under charge:

“A few months before I found out I was expecting my first child an incident happened where I was charged by the police and I now have a criminal record.”

“I felt horrible knowing that it was there and that my unborn child may have to suffer because of his mother’s poor choices.”

“I went back to college and completed my PSW program a year later. When looking for a job and even my placement I came across obstacles involving my criminal record which prevented me from getting jobs I really wanted.”

“Now that you have helped me get my Pardon, I am so relieved to know that I can apply for my dream job and not have to worry about my criminal record getting in the way.”

“Thank you so much Pardons Canada for giving me a second shot at making life the best it could be for me and my son.”

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 or 416-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – A Theft Under Conviction From 1977 Can Show Up at the US Border

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You may have traveled to the US many times in your life without incident at the US Border, but if you have any past criminal activity (including a conditional or absolute discharge, withdrawn, stayed or dismissed criminal charge) you may be surprised one day by a US Customs Agent who decides to do a random criminal check.

Once the Americans know about your criminal record they can choose to refuse you entry or delay your travels with intensive questioning. Either way, you want to avoid this embarasing and painful situation if you can before it happens to you.

If you have been denied entry to the US, then you need a US Entry Waiver or I-194 to return to the US. Obtaining a US Entry Waiver requires a complicated and somewhat expensive application to be submitted to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).

If you have not been denied entry but have been fingerprinted for a criminal charge, regardless of whether you have been convicted you should apply for a Canada Pardon or File Destruction before traveling to the US.

Here is a recent email we recieved from a distressed traveler who was questioned at the US Border because of a Theft Under Charge in 1977:

“I am a business owner, own and operate a business in Calgary Alberta, and another in Arizona, I also own a home in Arizona.”

“I have been traveling back and forth to the US with no issue, until last weekend, on the 16th of Sept. 2011.”

“I was going to Arizona for the weekend, at the airport i was subject to secondary screening and the immigration officer said i had a conviction from 1977, putting me at the age of 17. I now recall the incident, it was theft under 50 dollars. and again i was only 17.”

“The US Border agent stated that i absolutely needed this cleared up before being allowed entry again.”

“This leaves me in a very bad situation, if i cannot return what do i do about my home? and also my business? I have invested approx. 1 million in the business in the US, and purchased my home for 780,000.00 cash. Also i have up to 20 American employees, do i lay them off? as i cannot over see my operations. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”

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 or 416-929-6011.

Pardons Canada – How it Feels to Get a Pardon

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Each day we receive thank you letters from people we helped to obtain a Canada Pardon. The sense of relief that people have once they obtain a Pardon is incredible as they have been haunted by the stigma of having a criminal record in the past.

Here is a recent letter that really expresses the great feeling of being free from having a criminal record once a Canada Pardon is granted:

“I would like to thank Pardons Canada for giving me the opportunity to clear my name and start a clean slate.”

“I lost a lot of good opportunities because of having a criminal record. Until you get a criminal record, you do not realize the boundaries and restrictions that you are surrounded by. You feel a sense of restraint and you lose a piece of innocence.”

“I have learned a lot since I received a criminal record and stress to people the freedom they will lose if they choose to make poor choices.”

“Having a criminal record makes you feel that people think of you differently as if you are a “bad” person and I did not want people to look at me in that way.”

“To be freed of my criminal record is an accomplishment. It feels extremely good that I do not have to worry anymore. I do not have to be reminded of mistakes I have made in my past when I was young and lacked good judgement.”

“Even though something negative happens in life, you should always find a positive and use that to help you grown and become a better person. Now when my daughter is older, I will be able to take her to Disney without any worries.”

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.

Pardons Canada – There Are NO Exceptions for Eligibility Dates For Pardons

www.pardons.org

We often receive emails or phone calls from people who have recently discovered that their old criminal conviction has come back to haunt them.  It usually occurs when someone is applying for a new job, trying to get a promotion or traveling to the US.

The person with the old criminal record is in shock because they never realized it would have any negative affects in their future.  Often, they could have obtained a Canada Pardon many years earlier but either never though about it or never knew it was possible to get a Pardon.

Sometime we have people who are desperate to get into the US or to get a specific job being offered to them and they ask if there is any exceptions to the waiting periods for Pardons.  The answer is no, there are no exceptions to the waiting periods for Pardons which is currently set at 3 or 5 years from the end of your probation depending on the offence.

Its possible to start the pardon process early because it takes time to gather and prepare all the documentation but the date the pardon can be granted cannot be done early.

Here is an email we recently received from a person who is eager to get their pardon because its getting in the way of moving forward in their life:

“On July 14th, 2009 I plead guilty to \”Mischief Under\” and \”Breech of Undertaking\” in addition to receiving a Highway Traffic Act conviction of, \”Stunt-drive\”. ”

“I received (1)$500 fine payable the courts for both charges, $2,500 dollar highway traffic act fine, and 1 year probation, with the terms too keep the peace and be of good behavior.”

“I have no previous criminal record, I have paid all associated fines from the sentence and, of course, have kept of the peace and been of good behavior since this conviction. ”

“My question is, is the 4-year \”wait-time\” associated with my charge (3yr for both being summary charges + 1 yr probation term)something that is written in stone? Has there ever been an application for a pardon that has been initiated or processed early? Is there anyway that I can have these reviewed or removed – under any circumstances – earlier then this 4 year period? ”

“My circumstance, having two criminal charges on my record, is something that is literally stopping me from continuing a career that I have been schooling, working and preparing   for over seven years. I am currently a certified Paramedic with the province of Ontario and also a member of the Canadian Forces. I have been working for the Forces full-time for the past three years and my obligatory contract is ending very soon. ”

“I have the choice to renew my contract with the Forces or make the transition to civilian paramedics. That being said, I have recently researched and confirmed the fact of that, the policy of the Ontario Ministry of Health is that no Paramedic can be given employment within a service in Ontario, with a criminal record. The same policy is found within all the provincially-run paramedic services in Canada as well. ”

“It is my intention to eliminate these charges from my record with the help of your service at the end of this 4 year period, but I remain hopeful that I can see this accomplished within an earlier time-frame, as so I can move on with my life. ”

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.

Pardons Canada – Getting a Pardon for a Theft charge

www.pardons.org

Many people make regrettable mistakes at certain moment in their life.  It could happen during a time of high stress, depression, divorce, abuse or many other circumstances.  Often the person learns from their mistake and never has another criminal charge again in their life.

A theft charge or any other criminal record can leave a black mark on your record and can prevent you from getting jobs or traveling.  We help hundreds of people each week to obtain a Canada Pardon in order to remove the criminal record from public record.

Here is a thank you letter we received from a person we helped to obtain a Canada Pardon for a Theft Under charge:

“When I was 18 yrs old, I got myself into some trouble with the law.  After 7 years of carrying this burden and a big move to the US,  I called Pardons Canada to help me remove the biggest mistake of my life.”

“For me, this is a one time and last time situation that should have never happened to begin with, but did.  Having a criminal record at such a young age can have a huge affect on everything in your life.  I felt judged and looked at in disgust.”

“A criminal record has an impact on your future with employment and career choices.  People may create assumptions and accusations with question to a person with a criminal record, only because having one will demonstrate that you cannot be trustworthy and/or reliable and having a criminal background can bring a person down emotionally and mentally.”

“After help with Pardons Canada, my criminal background has been removed.  I see a positive future for myself now and I feel FREE.  The biggest mistake of my life is buried.  I do not have to worry about anyone asking me anything about it and being embarrassed and I do not have to explain anything about it to anyone ever again.”

“I can now continue my educatioin in Paralegal and not have to worry about my criminal past tarnishing my future.”

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.

Pardons Canada – Getting a Pardon for a Theft Charge

www.pardons.org

Each day we speak to hundreds of people who have been charged with a criminal record and are seeking to obtain a Canada Pardon.  Often, the criminal charge is a first time offence in a person’s life and they deeply regret their actions.

Here is a thank you letter we recently received from a person we helped to obtain a Canada Pardon for a Theft under charge:

“There aren’t enough words to express how thankful I am to you and your team at Pardons Canada.”

“About 6 years ago, I found myself in a situation that I would have never imagined for myself.”

“My parents taught me to respect my elders, treat others as I would want to be treated, and to aim high in life.”

“I was preparing to write the MCAT testing, which is needed to get into beterinarian school, when I made the worst mistake of my life.”

“I was struggling and desparate and at the time it seemed like the right thing to do.  So I stole $119 fr0m the retail store I was working for.  Who would do something like this?  Not the person my parents raised.  My parents were always there for me and even paid for my secondary education.  So why did I not ask them for a measly $120?  I can’t answer that.”

“About a month later I was caught and charged with theft under $5000.  The police asked me why I would steal from a store I had been working at for 7 years.  I couldn’t even speak, I was so ashamed.  I cried and apologized but it was too late.  The police said they see this often where good kids get caught up in bad situations.  As I walked through the mall in handcuffs it was like the walk of shame.  I realized that I not only let myself down but a whole bunch of people too.”

“I couldn’t believe what I had done and now I had jeopardized getting into vet school.  Vet colleges won’t even look at someone with a criminal record.  I had messed up the one thing I had worked my entire life toward, for $120.  How did that make any sense?”

“The court appearances were horrible, although everyone was really nece and helpful, I had to do this journey alone.  I couldn’t tell my parents, I couldn’t tell my best friend because I was so ashamed of myself.”

“Now that my criminal record is removed with a Canada Pardon, I will be able to finally finish my life’s ambition to be a veterinarian.  Although I have completed my honors in zoology, I can now go back and apply for vet school without the worry of having a criminal record.”

“This black cloud has been lifted and I am forever grateful.”

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.

Pardons Canada – A Conditional Discharge Can Haunt You Well Beyond the Sentence

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Some people believe that a conditional discharge will simply disappear over time.  This is not the case.  Your fingerprints, photos, court and police records can stay on record until you apply for a File Destruction.

The Americans do not distinguish between a suspended sentence, regular conviction or conditional or absolute discharge.  If they uncover your criminal record, they have the right to refuse you entry to the US.  If this happens, then you will require a US Entry Waiver (I-192 or I-194) to re-enter the US.  This process is expensive, complicated and lengthy.

Here is an email we received recently from a person who had a conditional discharge but was haunted by the charge years after her offence:

“I was given a conditional discharge for theft under $5000 for my first offence back in November of 2008 and since then I was accepted to attend the paramedic program at a college.”

“When I went through the court process I was told by a lawyer that I spoke to over the phone and acting legal council that a discharge would not show on your record. Due to this information I went to school and it was required that I get a record of conduct, which I did, and the discharged was there.”

“I ended up getting kicked out of school at the end of the first semester because Easter Health wouldn’t let me do my clinicals, even though the school kept trying to reassure me that they wouldn’t have a problem with it. ”

“Since then I have became a manager o f a store and now they are deciding to do a code of conduct check on all managers and I am afraid I am going to lose my job because of this too.”

“I made the dumbest mistake of my life and I really need help trying to fix it. If you have any suggestions on what I can do to get this taken off my record I would greatly appreciate it.”

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.

Pardons Canada – Man Gets Turned Away at US Border for a 43 Year Old Theft Charge

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Wow, this one really surprised us and proves how strict the Americans have become about allowing people with a criminal record, no matter how old, to enter the US.

This man who called us today was completely distraught.  He was traveling to the US with his wife to go on a cruise and was stopped at the US border by a customs agent.  His theft charge from 43 years ago was a simple theft of hubcaps when he was a kid.  Yet, the customs agent treated this man like a criminal and fingerprinted him and turned him away at the US border.  He felt terribly ashamed and frustrated by the treatment he received from the border agent and he was sick about the fact that he could not go on the cruise.

Now this man requires a  US Entry Waiver (I-194 or I-192) to re-enter the US.  The Waiver application is lengthy, complicated and expensive.  We will be helping him to obtain the US Entry Waiver so that he will be able to re-enter the US.

If this man had obtained a Canada Pardon, before entering the US, this ordeal may not have ever happened.  Once the charges are removed from CPIC with a Canada Pardon, he may have been safe to travel to the US.

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.