Non-Convictions Record & Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is because you’re not convicted of an offence it will not appear on your record or it will not have no effective on your future which isn’t always the case.

Video Transcript:

Hi, I’m Mitch from Pardon Services in Winnipeg and I’m here to talk today about non-convictions. Non-convictions are when you’re charged with an offence by a police service or RCMP detachment but you’re not actually convicted or found guilty. Some common terminology for non-convictions are stay of proceedings, conditional discharges, absolute discharges, not guilty, acquitted, among others.

Now, a common misconception is because you’re not convicted of an offence it will not appear on your record or it will not have no effective on your future which isn’t always the case. For example, a conditional discharge is not sealed until three years has passed, and an absolute discharge is not sealed until one year has passed so long as you satisfy your sentencing requirements. Although it’s supposed to be done without action on your part it’s often a good idea to confirm that your record has been sealed in those cases.

For most other types of non-convictions, you can apply for file destruction through the arresting police service or RCMP detachment. The requirements for a file destruction often vary quite significantly depending on which police service or RCMP detachment you are applying through. Non-convictions can be quite confusing to understand. There are many different types and so a lot of people don’t know where to go.

At Pardon Services we offer free consultations for anybody that’s looking into information about how to seal their record of non-conviction.

Please feel free to call us at (204) 453-0099, visit our website or send us an email.

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