What is a conditional discharge?
A conditional discharge is defined in this excerpt from the Criminal Code of Canada: 730. (1) Where an accused, other than an organization, pleads guilty to or is found guilty of an offence, other than an offence for which a minimum punishment is prescribed by law or an offence punishable by imprisonment for fourteen years or for life, the court before which the accused appears may, if it considers it to be in the best interests of the accused and not contrary to the public interest, instead of convicting the accused, by order direct that the accused be discharged absolutely or on the conditions[...]
Can I travel to the United States with a Conditional Discharge?
A Conditional Discharge is like a Conviction in the United States Even though a discharge is not a conviction, it is still evidence of guilt, and may still render a person inadmissible to the United States. There are two types of discharges: absolute discharge conditional discharge Regardless of the type, the Criminal Code of Canada confirms that there has been a finding or admission of guilt. The United States treats a discharge the same as a conviction or any admission of guilt (ie. you admit to having committed offence even if not convicted). Criminal Code of Canada Sec 730 Conditional[...]
Automatic Purging of a Conditional Discharge
A Conditional Discharge is not a conviction. You cannot apply to have it sealed or suspended with a Canadian Pardon or Record Suspension. The good news is that a discharge automatically gets purged after a period of time. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to have it sealed or suspended. I have had people call me immediately after receiving a discharge to apply to have it erased so that it does not affect employment. The bad news is, a discharge will appear on your criminal record for a period of time before it gets purged. Though it[...]
