Record Suspension: Top 8 Reasons Your Life Can Improve

Posted by Nikoletta Ventseslavova

Guest post by Trina Jones from Expresspardons

For those living with a criminal record, a record suspension can change everything. I thinkit’s safe to say that most people believe we only live once. We are born into this world, we live and then we leave. The phrase” Life is too short’ becomes more commonly used as we forge along day by day, really beginning to see and experience the depth of that statement. When you’re at the end looking back on your life, will you be satisfied with all that you’ve done or will you have regrets? Just because at some point in time you have acquired a criminal record, does not mean you have to sacrifice the rest of your life being branded by your past. We all make mistakes- some bigger than others; but we almost always have a chance to correct those mistakes, turn things around and begin a new chapter.

What is a Record Suspension?

Unfortunately there are times when one has to learn the hard way and making mistakes that involve criminal misconduct is one of them. If you are charged with a criminal offense you will have a criminal record. It could be for something as minor as shoplifting or driving under the influence or for more serious charges such as assault or narcotics possession. When those with criminal records receive a record suspension, that means that your record is sealed from ALL search-able data bases. Know one would ever know you had a criminal record unless you told them yourself.

How will your life improve if you get a record suspension?

Well, I think it’s probably pretty obvious how concealing something like a criminal record can make things a whole lot easier, but here are a few ideas.

Top 8 Reasons A Record Suspension Can Improve Your Life:

Employment

It is so common these days for employers to conduct local or federal criminal record searches before hiring. The discovery of your criminal record could have a drastic impact on your chances of landing a job. Even if you are self-employed, many companies may require a criminal record search on all employees and owners before agreeing to a sub-contracting agreement. Clearing your record will place you on an even playing field with all other applicants.

Career Advancement

If you’re looking for a promotion and you have not sealed your record, watch out. Many companies have begun conducting criminal record searches for any employees who applies for a promotion. Imagine not only NOT getting the promotion but also being fired because your criminal record comes up in the system. With a concealed record this would NEVER happen.

Canadian Immigration

The CIC frequently rejects applications for refugee and landed status, as well as citizenship,and often deport people who have criminal records. Getting your record cleared is especially important if you are immigrating to Canada.

Being Bonded

Some jobs require their employees to be bonded, and if it is too expensive for an employer to bond you because of your record, chances are they will hire someone else instead. After a record suspension, your ability to be bonded will be just the same as anyone else.

Volunteer Work

It is almost guaranteed that a criminal record search be required by law for people applying for volunteer positions, especially when applying in the field of vulnerable persons such as children or seniors. Most organizations will not permit those to volunteer whom have criminal records. With a suspended record you would never have to think twice about applying for a volunteer position would be able do so in whichever field you are most interested in.

Custody Battles

If you and your spouse are separated or planning to divorce, your child custody andvisitation rights may be reduced or eliminated because of your criminal record. It is not fair that one bad decision from your past affect your ability to be there for your children in the future.

Education

Believe it or not, there are many educational programs out there that require a criminal record check before accepted entrance to the program. Clearing your record will allow you to apply for whichever program you choose.

Apartment Rentals

It has become more common that standard rental application forms may ask if you have a criminal record, therefore finding a place to live may prove difficult if you have not sealed your record.

It is common that most people holding criminal records from their past, are either consciously or sub-consciously distressed by the simple fact of knowing they have one. Applying for a record suspension to clear your criminal record plays a huge part in removing not only the record itself, but also the stigma and shame that may be associated with having one. You can avoid future discrimination and having your credibility questioned by simply clearing your criminal records from the system and forgetting that you ever had one in the first place.