4 use-cases for Criminal Record Checks with uLaw
Criminal Record Checks are very useful and efficient ways to enhance the compliance profile of your law firm.
Canadian law firms have many obligations when it comes to how they interact with clients. Criminal Record Checks build compliance and are also a very good way to ensure your firm isn't met with any surprises in its dealings with others.
Here are four reasons why it's a good idea to conduct Criminal Record Checks:
Record Suspension (Pardon) Applications
- If your law firm offers record suspensions and pardons to clients, it's important that an actual criminal record check is done to ensure your firm knows what they're up against.
- Eligibility criteria include waiting periods after the completion of sentences: 10 years for offences prosecuted by indictment and 5 years for offences punishable on summary conviction.
- Lawyers guide clients through the process, helping them meet the necessary requirements.'
Legal Representation
Proper assessment of a client's criminal record is necessary in order to provide adequate legal advice depending on the situation.
Without a criminal record check there is no way of truly being able to put together a holistic and effective legal representation in general for a client. This is important not only for criminal lawyers but for legal representation in different practice areas.
Employment or licensing
Depending on the needs of a client, lawyers may request criminal record checks on behalf of the client, for example if the client is seeking employment or professional licensing.
Certain positions require background checks to ensure public safety and trust.
Immigration and Border Crossing
Lawyers may need criminal record information for handling immigration cases. This is especially important in the area of immigration since individuals with criminal convictions may face admissibility issues when entering Canada.
Sam Cooley
Sam Cooley