8 Consequences of Having a Criminal Record in Canada

If you have been found guilty of one, or more than one criminal offence, you will get a criminal record.

A criminal record is a document that presents your criminal history and contains information about your identity, the charges against you, and your convictions. It will also show your fingerprints and include your DNA.

As you might expect, being listed as a criminal can seriously impact your life for years. That’s why you need to hire a criminal lawyer to defend you against these charges. Here are eight consequences of having a criminal record in Canada:

Consequence #1: A criminal record could be more difficult for you to rent an apartment

Having a criminal record could make it more difficult for you to find a home in Canada. Indeed, landlords can require a criminal record check before signing a lease and can decide to simply deny the application of someone who has a record.

This means you might be unable to rent the apartment or the house you want. Plus, if you have been found guilty of a sexual offence, there are different areas where you might not be allowed to live.

Consequence #2: A criminal record could be more difficult for you to get a job

Another possible consequence of having a criminal record in Canada is that it might become more difficult for you to find employment. When you apply for a job, the employer can require a criminal record check and decide not to hire you if you have a criminal record.

Additionally, your criminal record could make it impossible for you to work for the police or to receive a licence allowing you to practice a profession in the healthcare industry, for example.

Consequence #3: Your employer could decide to fire you

Your current employer could decide to fire you because you now have a criminal record, as long as the criminal offence you were found guilty of is connected to your job. If the offence is unrelated to your job, your employer could still decide to fire you without cause.

You could also be fired simply for lying and pretending you don’t have a criminal record. So if you are being asked if you have one, be honest and tell the truth.

Consequence #4: A criminal record could be difficult for you to get insured

You must reveal any detail that could increase the risk of insuring you to your insurance company. That includes the fact that you have a criminal record.

But suppose there is a connection between the criminal offences listed on your record and your insurance policy. In that case, your insurer could decide to cancel your insurance, reduce your coverage, raise their price, or reject any claim you make.

A company could refuse to insure you because of your record if you are not insured.

Consequence #5: You might not be able to get custody of your child

If you are trying to get custody of your child, the judge could look at your criminal record and see it as evidence of a bad character. It could be more difficult for you to get custody of your child, and you could even be denied visitation rights.

However, you will not instantly lose custody of your child right after getting a criminal record, as long as you have not been found guilty of a sexual crime.

Consequence #6: You might not be able to enrol in certain programs

Suppose you are currently studying to work in healthcare, child care, banking, accounting, or security. In that case, your criminal record could disqualify you from graduating and getting started in the career of your choice.

And if your goal is to enrol in a program so you can work in one of these industries, your application could be denied because of your criminal record.

Consequence #7: You could be unable to travel to some countries

If you love to travel, you should know that any border official can ask you questions about your criminal record and can decide to deny you access to their country, depending on their laws.

And what about crossing the border? You might not be able to enter the United States if you have been found guilty of committing a “crime of moral turpitude,” which can include murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, and fraud, among other offences.

Consequence #8: You could be denied a Canadian citizenship

Finally, if you have applied for Canadian citizenship, your application will be denied if you have a criminal record. And if you live in Canada but don’t have permanent residency, you could be deported.

As you can see, having a criminal record can prevent you from doing many things in Canada. If you have completed your sentence and paid your debt to society, getting a Pardon should help you get your life back on track.