Possession of property obtained by crime (CC 354) can be either a hybrid or an indictable offence depending on the value of the goods involved. An individual can be convicted of possession of property obtained by crime valued at “over” or “under” a certain amount. The specific value has varied over time but it is currently set at $5000. So if someone is charged with Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 today, they will be tried by indictment. If they are charged with Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000 they will usually be tried summarily. In the past, this value has been set much lower. So, for example, if someone was charged with Possession of property obtained by crime over $50 in the 1960s, they would have been tried by indictment, even though the value of the goods or the amount of money involved may have been relatively low.
The sentence associated with this offence varies. For minor offences it usually just involves a small fine and possibly some probation. For serious offences it can involve hefty fines and restitution orders. When an individual is being charge with a number of other offences as well, this offence can lead to prison time.
A Record Suspension will remove any record of an assault conviction from an individual’s criminal history. The record of conviction will be kept separate and apart and will not be released to third parties through criminal background checks.
A criminal record for assault can mean that an individual is prevented from finding employment, doing volunteer work and being bonded. It can also make it difficult for an individual to become a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
In some cases a criminal record it can prevent them from entering Canada entirely.
A Record Suspension will remove these obstacles.