Although Impaired Driving/ Drunk Driving may seem like a minor league violation at first glance, the truth about being charged with impaired driving is that the implications can be quite heavy. Contrary to popular belief, getting an impaired driving charge is actually far more serious and can lead to severe consequences. However, in spite of its serious nature, it’s one of the most common offences that Canadians commit in the criminal code, which stains their records.
Impaired/ Drunk Driving Pardon
Now, recent provisions to the Canadian Criminal Code have led to a more loose stand on impaired driving offences. This means that the serious charge allows for a pardon, which is now called a record suspension. Those who have been charged with impaired driving can apply for a record suspension to clean their slate. With that, the conviction will be set aside or made available for access in limited circumstances.
Before we jump into how an impaired charge can be pardoned, let’s first look at the technicalities and factors of what constitutes this particular charge:
When Is Driving Impaired?
The average measure for impaired driving is set at a baseline of 80mgs/100 ML, with the minimum charge being a fine which translates to a conviction under criminal law. Additionally, most people aren’t actually aware that a fine for a guilty finding with an offence of criminal nature actually constitutes a criminal record. Once an impaired offence is handed, it may prove to be much more difficult to seek an employment position that requires a background check. It also makes it equally difficult to cross the border. However, with a pardon or record suspension, the effects of an impaired driving record can be remedied, making it easier to enjoy certain privileges again.
Impaired Driving Criminal Record Suspension/ Pardon Conditions
When seeking a record suspension, you have to meet these three conditions before you even head to a pardon professional:
- Your sentence must have been completed already. So, you’ll have to pay first any associated fines, compensation, surcharges, or restitution in addition to serving the sentenced probation or parole length.
- If your impaired driving record is classified as a summary offence, you must wait five years before sentence completion. If your record includes a case of bodily harm or death, then you’ll have to wait ten years as the conviction is classified as an indictable offence.
- You have a proven maintained good behaviour and must show that you have not been convicted of any new offences. In addition, you are also not allowed to apply if you have outstanding fees.
Application Process For Impaired Driving/ Drunk Driving
Once the conditions are met, you can start your record suspension process for an impaired driving charge by heading over to your local pardon service provider. While it may be possible to do a record suspension process on your own, the margin for error can be quite big. The mistakes can lead to an application being denied right away. However, with the help of a pardon service provider, you can entrust the process request in a professional that knows the ins and outs of applying for a pardon and successfully being granted one.
Moreover, the application costs $600, but rest assured that the entirety of the charge will go straight to the government. If you want to learn more about the pardon process, the government of Canada has also set up a useful and effective website that can assist you in the process of obtaining a pardon with ease.
Getting a second chance at a regular life after an impaired driving charge is a priceless opportunity that should be enjoyed by anyone. Through a few simple steps and keen attention to the entire process, you can enjoy the benefits of obtaining a record suspension for the charge.
If you’re looking for a Canadian pardon, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
