Are Criminal Charges Public Record in Ontario?

Criminal charges, convictions, and the public record can be confusing topics within the law and it may be difficult to find out whether charges are a part of the public record. Residents must understand how criminal charges are processed in Ontario as this can have significant implications for their lives. 

If you’re confused about criminal charges and the public record, then you’ve come to the right place. What The Law is devoted to ensuring that clients have all the information necessary regardless of what stage of criminal prosecution they are at. That’s why today, we’ve compiled this guide to criminal charges and records so you can have full clarity over what a record implies for your life beyond charge and conviction. 

What is a Criminal Record?

A criminal record is a database that is accessible via the Canadian Police Information Centre. Customs, police services, agencies, and law enforcement have access to your criminal record to assess your eligibility for several things such as jobs, travel, and insurance. 

A criminal record has all of your information regarding previous charges against you, resulting in convictions, DNA, fingerprints, your identity information, and photographs to identify you. Criminal records are established if you have previously been convicted or found guilty of a crime.

Charges refer to a kind of formal accusation of a crime, meaning that authorities have reasonable means to charge you based on the evidence they have collected. A conviction determines that there has been a formal finding of guilt against you.

How Does a Criminal Record Impact My Life?

How your criminal record influences your life can vastly depend on the types of convictions and proceeding charges you have on your criminal record. 

Employers, credit and debit applications, insurance companies, and customs all have access and reasonable means to request information about a criminal record, meaning you may be refused some services if they determine your record makes you an unfit candidate for their services.

Depending on the crime, criminal records can affect you in different ways. For example, if you have a previous conviction of impaired or dangerous driving, customs officers may prevent you from driving across the American border. Employers may also run a criminal record check and deny you employment if you are deemed unsafe or unsuitable to work in certain environments. 

Child custody and family law may also be implicated in a criminal record case, with judges considering your record when assessing the defendant's character and ability to look after a child or vulnerable person. 

Criminal records can have serious implications for those without permanent Canadian residency, with some being deported if they are convicted of committing criminal acts on Canadian soil. 

Who Can See My Criminal Record?

As criminal records are held by the CPIC, this means that all Canadian police and authorities can access your criminal record at any given time. The criminal records database is not viewable to members of the public, but you do have the right to view your own criminal record. You can do this by requesting it under the Privacy Act of Canada. 

How Do I Get My Criminal Record Removed?

Despite it being a lengthy process, there are ways you can apply to have your criminal record removed from public visibility. This requires candidates to meet stringent eligibility requirements, with an intensive demonstration of being a law-abiding citizen. 

Looking for an Experienced Criminal Lawyer in Richmond Hill?

Are you looking for a criminal lawyer in Richmond Hill? Well, you’re in luck! What The Law is committed to providing you with a vast array of criminal defence legal services that include answering all of your questions about how your specific criminal record will impact your life. 

Contact What The Law today, you may find that our team of criminal defence lawyers can help you minimize the risk of a conviction altogether.