What Crimes Cannot Be Pardoned In Canada?

What crimes cannot be pardoned by the Canadian parole board? Well, first of all, it’s not called a pardon anymore It’s now called a record suspension, I do another video on that particular topic. So there’s, there’s different scenarios where you’re not eligible for a pardon. I’m just going to go through those with you here today. So first of all, if you’ve served three different sentences in the penitentiary of two years or more, so let’s say sexual assault conviction you served three years, an aggravated assault you served 5, unless you say you did a manslaughter for say 7 years, you would not be eligible for a pardon. That’s step 1. That’s the first category. Secondly, and this makes perfect sense. You’re not eligible for a record suspension If you claim sexual assault against a minor. That’s very important. We don’t want people getting record suspensions when we know that they’re potentially a pedophile. So we keep that in record in the Canadian CPIC system.

Now there’s an exception that there’s a narrow exception that you can apply to the parole board if you convince them that you were not in a position of trust or authority to that child. If you didn’t use any coercion, intimidation or physical violence, and you are less than five years older than them. You may be able to get that exception but that’s a very narrow exception.

The final matter where you can’t get a pardon. If you have a life sentence.

For example, if you’ve been convicted of murder, even if ater your parole that’s a life sentence. So that cant be pardonned and the other is when you have what’s called an indeterminate sentence. So that means, for example, dangerous offenders they’re in jail forever, It’s kind of indeterminate jail term. So you can’t get a pardon in that particular scenario.

So everyone else can at least apply for a pardon, its within the discretion of the parole board. It’s a fairly involved process, but I encourage people who do have criminal records who are eligible to apply and if it’s a summary conviction offence after five years from the day of sentence, and if it’s an indictable offense, you should apply 10 years after the date of offence. But start your application process a little early because there’s quite a waiting time on that list.

Thank you for watching our video. We are absolutely committed to bringing you the best possible criminal and DUI educational videos. If you found this video helpful, please like it and subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense material and require our services, please click on the link in the description below.