One of the most common questions people ask after being charged or convicted is whether they will now have a criminal record—and how long it will last. For anyone in Edmonton facing charges, this concern is real. A criminal record can affect employment, housing, travel, and immigration status.
This guide explains what a criminal record is, how long it lasts, what shows up on record checks in Alberta, and what options exist for clearing a record.
What is a criminal record in Canada?
A criminal record is the official record of convictions maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. Once a person is convicted of a crime under the Criminal Code or another federal law, that conviction is generally recorded.
Even a conviction for a summary conviction offence can create a criminal record. Unless charges are withdrawn, stayed, or you are acquitted, the conviction will remain in the federal database.
How long does a criminal record last?
In Canada, a criminal record is permanent unless you take steps to remove it. Unlike in some countries, records are not automatically cleared after a certain period of time.
Two important exceptions apply:
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- Youth records are handled differently under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. These records are sealed from public access after specific waiting periods if there are no further offences.
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- Record suspensions can set aside adult convictions, removing them from the CPIC system under the Criminal Records Act.
How long does a youth record last in Canada?
Youth records are different from adult records. A youth record includes information about a young person’s criminal history, such as convictions, court outcomes, and alternative measures like extrajudicial sanctions. These records can be kept by the police, Crown prosecutors, courts, and youth justice officials.
A youth record can still carry consequences. It may affect a young person’s ability to travel internationally, apply for jobs, participate in certain programs, or attend some schools. While the youth justice system focuses on rehabilitation, the existence of a record can still create barriers.
The Youth Criminal Justice Act sets out how long these records remain open. This period, called the access period, usually lasts:
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- Three years after a sentence is completed for a summary offence
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- Five years after a sentence is completed for an indictable offence
If probation is part of the sentence, the clock starts once probation ends.
If a new offence is committed during the access period, the original record can be reopened, extended, or even linked to an adult record once the youth turns 18. Serious cases where a youth receives an adult sentence are treated as adult records and remain permanent.
Once the access period ends with no new offences, youth records are generally destroyed or sealed. In some cases they may be stored in archives for research purposes, but they cannot be used to identify the youth.
Who can see a youth record?
During the access period, youth records are not public but can be accessed by certain people and institutions, including:
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- Police officers and Crown prosecutors
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- Judges and youth workers involved in the case
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- The youth themselves and their lawyer
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- Parents or guardians of the youth
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- Victims of the offence in limited circumstances
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- Schools, if necessary for safety or rehabilitation
Once the access period ends and no further offences are committed, the record is usually destroyed or sealed. In some cases, it may be archived for research or statistical purposes, but it cannot be used to identify the youth.
What is a record suspension?
A record suspension allows someone who has completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding for a prescribed number of years to have their record kept separate and apart from other criminal records. When granted, a search of CPIC will no longer show the conviction, which can help with employment, education, and reintegration.
The Parole Board of Canada is the only federal agency that can order, refuse, or revoke a record suspension.
A record suspension does not erase the conviction but sets it aside. It does not guarantee entry into another country, and for sexual offences, CPIC will still flag the conviction during a vulnerable sector check. Suspensions can be revoked if a person reoffends or if false information was provided in the application.
You may apply if:
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- You were convicted of an offence in Canada as an adult
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- You were convicted in another country and transferred to Canada to serve your sentence
You do not need to apply if your conviction was dealt with in youth court, or if you only received an absolute or conditional discharge. Youth records are handled separately under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Before applying, you must finish every part of your sentence, including:
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- Paying fines, restitution, or compensation
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- Serving any jail time, conditional sentence, or parole
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- Completing probation
Once this is done, you must wait before applying. For most people the waiting period is:
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- Five years for a summary offence
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- Ten years for an indictable offence
Older cases from before 2012 may follow slightly different timelines, but these rules cover most current applications.
Not everyone is eligible. People with multiple very serious convictions, or certain sexual offences listed in the Criminal Records Act, may be excluded.
What shows up on a criminal record check in Edmonton?
Employers, volunteer organizations, immigration authorities, and foreign governments often request criminal record checks. In Edmonton, these checks are conducted by the Edmonton Police Service.
The results depend on the type of check:
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- A basic criminal record check lists convictions under federal law.
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- A vulnerable sector check may include discharges and certain non-conviction records if relevant.
Even convictions for offences many consider minor such as theft under $5,000 or impaired driving can appear and limit opportunities.
Why do criminal records matter for immigration and travel?
For non-citizens, a criminal record may affect applications for permanent residence, citizenship, or refugee protection. Many countries, including the United States, also restrict entry for people with records. Even with a record suspension, foreign governments make their own entry decisions.
The best way to avoid a criminal record is to prevent a conviction. At Salloum & Company, our Edmonton criminal defence lawyers work to protect your rights from the earliest stages of a case. If you already have a record, we can assess your eligibility for a record suspension and guide you through the application process.
If you are facing charges, do not wait until a conviction limits your options. Contact Salloum & Company today for practical advice on your next steps.
