If you wish to receive a pardon for the crimes you have been convicted of, it will cost you. Apart from the monetary cost there is the time cost. It is something for you to give careful and lengthy thought to.

Pardon Services Canada has been around for more than ten years and has offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. It has a toll-free telephone number: 1-800-661-5554 and a web-site address which is www.pardonservicescanada.com.

The process begins with the compiling of your personal criminal information. Once the process is started, a computer file for your case will be created. Several forms will be completed and you will have to sign them. Next, Pardon Services Canada will petition the National Parole Board for a pardon on your behalf. The National Parole Board charges a filing fee of $50.00.

A pardon is not as easy as it sounds. If you have been found guilty of a criminal offence, you have a criminal record and a long criminal check must be done. There will be a check with the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) in Ottawa. This check will list all of your convictions, charges and discharges throughout Canada. Sometimes fingerprints are needed. A CPIC check will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks and will cost you $75.00.

All court information, at a cost of $15.00, will have to be gathered which will confirm if you paid fines or surcharges and will determine the method of your conviction. Local police departments, including the RCMP, will have to give reports pertaining to your convictions and you may be required to attend these police departments. Each police report will cost you $50.00.

All in all, a pardon is good if it will give you peace of mind. If job security is what you hope to gain from having a pardon then the cost of the service will be worth it. Pardon Services Canada will charge you $415.00 for their services.