Record Suspensions & Security Clearance
A criminal record can follow you long after a sentence is complete—limiting your ability to find meaningful employment, travel, volunteer, or apply for housing or educational opportunities.
A criminal record can follow you long after a sentence is complete—limiting your ability to find meaningful employment, travel, volunteer, or apply for housing or educational opportunities. For professionals and government employees, it may also affect your ability to obtain or maintain security clearance.
At Stern Shapray Criminal Lawyers, we help clients navigate the path to clearing or minimizing the impact of a criminal record. Whether you’re applying for a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon) or are dealing with the consequences of a past conviction on your career, we offer experienced legal guidance and practical support every step of the way.
Pardons & Record Suspensions
In Canada, a record suspension is a legal process that sets aside a person’s criminal record from public view. While it does not erase a conviction, it can prevent the record from appearing in most standard background checks.
You may be eligible to apply for a record suspension if:
- You have completed all aspects of your sentence (jail, probation, and fines)
- A certain waiting period has passed:
- 5 years for summary convictions
- 10 years for indictable convictions
- You have demonstrated law-abiding behaviour since completing your sentence
Benefits of a record suspension include:
- Increased access to employment and volunteer positions
- Enhanced eligibility for immigration applications or travel visas
- Improved ability to apply for housing, loans, or professional licensing
- Peace of mind and freedom from stigma
We assist with:
- Determining your eligibility and identifying disqualifying factors
- Gathering court documents, police records, and sentencing details
- Preparing and submitting a complete and persuasive application
- Responding to any complications or challenges during the process
While individuals can apply for a record suspension through the Parole Board of Canada, the process can be overwhelming and time-consuming without legal help—especially if there are errors in documentation or questions about eligibility.
Security Clearance & Employment Impacts
For individuals working in sectors such as:
- Government
- Law enforcement
- Airports or border services
- Financial institutions
- Healthcare
- Tech and infrastructure projects
…a criminal charge or conviction—no matter how minor—can jeo pardize your security clearance and career trajectory.
We regularly advise professionals on:
- How pending or past charges may affect a security screening
- What to disclose (and what not to) during background checks
- Responding to security clearance denials or revocations
- Managing licensing and regulatory board reporting requirements
Our legal team provides both proactive and reactive support—helping clients maintain compliance while minimizing risk to their livelihood. If your clearance has already been denied or revoked, we can assist in reviewing the decision, requesting reconsideration, or launching an appeal, where appropriate.
Protecting Your Reputation and Livelihood
Whether you’re looking to clear a past conviction, apply for meaningful work, or keep your professional standing intact, we understand how much is at stake. Our lawyers combine legal knowledge with discretion and care—because your future deserves thoughtful protection.