True or False: A criminal record goes away automatically after a certain time period?

FALSE:  Years later, people are surprised to discover they still have a criminal record!

If you have been fingerprinted by a Law Enforcement Agency for a criminal offence and your fingerprints have been sent to the RCMP in Ottawa to be entered into CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) database, you have a criminal history.  Your fingerprints have been assigned a FPS number and a file has been opened.

"Your court outcome determines whether this history becomes a criminal record."

9 WAYS "THE NEGATIVE IMPACT" OF A CRIMINAL RECORD CAN AFFECT YOU:

1.  TRAVELING to the U.S.A. with a criminal record/history can cause delays, missed flights, detainment, or entry refusal.

2.  EMPLOYMENT with a new company, promotion within your existing company or a new business venture; any one of these opportunities may require you to provide a clear criminal record/history document. Advancement may be determined by the results of your criminal record.

3.  VOLUNTEERING at a child's school or coaching a sports team? Many criminal offences showing on a criminal record check, regardless of age and circumstances are not acceptable by Volunteer Agencies or Schools due to risk management and insurance purposes.

4.  ADOPTION Agencies will carefully review all criminal records.  A criminal record may affect the outcome of an adoption application.

5.  EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Emergency Medical Technicians and Teachers.  You may not qualify for a selected program because of a criminal record.

6.  IMMIGRATION to stay in Canada or applying for Immigration to another country, if you have a criminal record, these applications may be delayed or declined.

7.  WORK/TRAVEL VISA to other countries, a criminal record may cause the loss of these opportunities.

8.  CHILD CUSTODY a criminal record may influence the outcome of these cases.

9.  RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES limited for individuals who have a criminal record, as landlords continue to invest in creating a safe environment for their tenants and property.

FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services understands criminal records and the processes available to change your current criminal record status.

Every individuals' fingerprints, FPS number, and criminal record is unique to them.  Your criminal record is determined by the charge(s), court disposition(s), youth and adult conviction(s), and various other circumstances.

It is time to invest in your future!

FPS Fingerprint Pardon Services does not offer legal advice, if you require legal assistance, please contact the appropriate lawyer or legal representative.