In Toronto, Canada, having a criminal record has several repercussions. You could face stigma, miss out on lucrative opportunities, and not enjoy the same experiences as individuals without a criminal record. Read on to learn the many repercussions of having a criminal record if you do or are at risk of getting one.
- Housing Consequences with a Criminal Record
Having a criminal record can significantly impact your ability to secure housing. Landlords and housing providers may be reluctant to rent to individuals with a criminal history, making it difficult for them to find a place to live.
Landlords perform background checks on potential tenants and use criminal records to decide whether to rent to them. This can be especially problematic for individuals with non-violent offences or those who have served their time and are trying to reintegrate into society.
- Employment Consequences with Criminal Record
In Toronto, a criminal record can limit individual job opportunities. Many employers consider an applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process, making it difficult for those with non-violent offences or those who have served their sentence to secure employment.
Discrimination and Challenges
Federal and provincial laws in Canada prohibit discrimination based on criminal records, but enforcement can be difficult. As a result, individuals with criminal records may still face discrimination and challenges in finding and maintaining employment.
Resources for Employment Success
Despite these challenges, resources exist in Toronto to help individuals with criminal records succeed in the workforce. Some programs provide job search assistance, resume writing support, and interview preparation, among other services.
- Travel Consequences with a Criminal Record
Travelling can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also have consequences if you have a criminal record.
Domestic Travel Consequences
Travellers with criminal records face difficulties when travelling within Canada. For example, they may be stopped at the border and questioned about their criminal history. This can result in additional screening and, in some cases, denied entry into the country.
Some forms of transportation, for example, commercial airlines, may require passengers to undergo background checks before boarding. This can result in added security measures and potential denial of travel for individuals with a criminal record.
International Travel Consequences
The consequences of having a criminal record could be even more significant for individuals travelling outside Canada. Many countries, especially those with strict immigration policies, may deny entry to individuals with a criminal record.
Individuals with a criminal record may be required to obtain a visa or travel authorization before entering a foreign country. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and in some cases, visas may be denied based on an individual’s criminal history.
- Immigration Consequences
Canada is a country that is known for its diversity and openness to immigration. However, for individuals with a criminal record, the immigration process can be more complicated and challenging. A criminal record can significantly impact an individual’s ability to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident and visitor.
Permanent Residence Consequences
Residents with criminal records might face difficulties when trying to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents. Criminal inadmissibility is one of the most common reasons for a permanent residency application to be denied.
Criminal inadmissibility is determined by several factors, including the offence’s nature, the sentence’s length, and the time since the individual was last convicted. The more serious the offence and the more recent the conviction, the more likely it is that an individual will be considered inadmissible to Canada as a permanent resident.
Visitor Consequences
The consequences of having a criminal record can also extend to individuals who wish to visit Canada as a tourist or for business purposes. In some cases, individuals with a criminal record may be required to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) before entering Canada.
This permit is issued by the Canadian government and allows individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to enter the country for a specific purpose and period of time. Obtaining a TRP can be a complex and time-consuming process, and in some cases, it may not be possible for individuals with certain types of criminal convictions.
How to Get Your Criminal Record Removed
A criminal record can significantly impact an individual’s life, including employment, housing, and travel. In some cases, individuals with a criminal record may be eligible to have their record removed, which can help improve their chances of finding employment and housing and make travel easier.
Understanding Your Criminal Record
The first step in getting your criminal record removed is to understand what your criminal record contains. This information can be obtained from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) or local police service.
Your criminal record will typically include information about any criminal convictions, as well as any outstanding charges or warrants. This information can be used by potential employers, landlords, and immigration officials to determine your eligibility for certain opportunities.
Eligibility for Record Suspension
In Canada, individuals with a criminal record may be eligible to have their record suspended. This process, also known as a “record suspension” or “pardon,” involves having your criminal record sealed so no longer accessible to most employers, landlords, and immigration officials.
To be eligible for a record suspension, you must have completed all sentences imposed by the courts, including any periods of probation and any payment of fines. You must also have waited a certain period after your last conviction before applying for a record suspension. This waiting period can range from three to ten years, depending on the severity of your offence.
Using a Record Suspension
The process of applying for a record suspension can be complex and time-consuming. It typically involves obtaining a copy of your criminal record, obtaining supporting documentation, and submitting a detailed application to the Parole Board of Canada.
Working With a Lawyer or Specialist
You want to hire a Toronto criminal lawyer to increase your chances of a successful record suspension application. Lawyers can help you understand the eligibility requirements, guide you through the application process, and provide valuable advice and support.
A criminal record can severely affect an individual’s life, including employment, housing, and travel opportunities. Working with a lawyer is recommended to increase the chances of a successful outcome. With the right guidance and support, individuals with a criminal record can take steps toward a brighter future with fewer restrictions and barriers.
