Ottawa, November 22, 2023 – The Canadian Bar Association introduced an updated version of its Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions resource to help lawyers and judges gain a better understanding of the impact of criminal convictions on offenders before the courts.
A criminal conviction may lead to a myriad of consequences which can plague offenders for the rest of their lives and restrict their successful rehabilitation back into society. These consequences can be impediments to employment, housing, voting and volunteering. For non-citizens, they can even determine whether they can remain in Canada. The resource gives an overview of these consequences and aims at stimulating dialogue among all concerned justice system participants.
The resource is an initiative of the CBA’s Criminal Justice Section and Committee on Imprisonment and Release. It was first launched in 2017. The new version includes up to date information and the latest reference documents.
Quick facts
- The resource is available for free on the Canadian Bar Association website.
- The CBA’s Criminal Justice Section and Committee on Imprisonment and Release created this resource to assist lawyers in considering the hidden and potentially long-lasting repercussions that offenders often face following a finding of guilt, even for relatively minor offences.
- The resource also addresses the host of consequences that arise in the absence of a conviction.
- Each chapter concludes with a checklist of considerations for counsel.
- The resource also includes a provincial and territorial directory of relevant legislation prepared with the help of Pro Bono Students Canada volunteers and Queen’s Law students.
Quotes
“It is important for defence counsel, prosecutors and judges to understand the full range of potential consequences of a criminal conviction. For lawyers, better understanding the impact of criminal convictions can help ensure a fairer outcome for their clients. For judges, a better understanding can help them make a more informed decision. We hope that this resource will assist legal professionals in understanding all the implications and being fully prepared at the sentencing hearing.”
- Tony Paisana, member of the executive of the CBA’s Criminal Justice Section
“I want to praise the work done by the members of the Section’s executive, the writers, and the reviewers. This is a great tool for all concerned justice system participants. It can help prepare Parole Board Reviews, it can answer questions once offenders get out of jail and faces civil consequences, and it can also help lawyers navigate record suspensions.”
- Kyla M. Lee, Chair of the CBA’s Criminal Justice Section
Links
Collateral Consequences to Criminal Convictions
CBA’s Criminal Justice Section
About the Canadian Bar Association
The CBA is dedicated to support the rule of law and improvement in the law and the administration of justice. Some 38,000 lawyers, judges, notaries in Quebec, law teachers and law students from across Canada are members.
For more information, contact:
Vanessa Racine
Manager, Media Relations and Public Affairs
613-237-2925 x153
vanessar@cba.or