Yes, you can get a pardon for assault in Canada. But the type of assault matters — a lot. It determines your waiting period, whether extra forms are required, and how the Parole Board evaluates your application.

Types of Assault and Their Classifications

Simple assault (section 266) is a hybrid offence. A bar fight, a push, a slap — if no weapon was involved and nobody was seriously injured, this is likely what you were charged with. The Crown almost always proceeds summarily for first offences. Waiting period: 5 years.

Assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm (section 267) is also hybrid, but the Crown is more likely to proceed by indictment. If someone went to the hospital or a weapon was involved, expect the longer waiting period. Waiting period: 5-10 years depending on method of trial.

Aggravated assault (section 268) is straight indictable. This involves wounding, maiming, or endangering life. Maximum penalty is 14 years. Waiting period: 10 years. No exceptions.

Sexual assault (section 271) is a separate category entirely. It's hybrid but carries additional requirements — more on that below.

What the PBC Looks for in Assault Cases

The PBC gives assault applications extra scrutiny compared to property crimes or impaired driving. They're looking for evidence that you've addressed the underlying issues. This might mean:

Completion of anger management or counselling programs. Stable relationships without incidents of conflict. Employment history showing you can work with others. Community involvement or volunteer work. Distance from the people or situations that contributed to the offence.

Your measurable benefit statement is especially important for assault convictions. Don't just say "I've changed." Show it with specifics: "I completed a 12-week anger management program through [provider] in [year]. I've been employed at [company] for [X] years with no workplace incidents. I coach my daughter's soccer team on weekends."

Sexual Assault — Special Requirements

If your conviction involves a sexual offence against a minor (anyone under 18 at the time of the offence), your application falls under Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act. This means:

You must complete an additional form (PBC-0008e, the Schedule 1 Exception Form). The PBC applies a higher standard — they must be satisfied that the suspension would "sustain the rehabilitation of the applicant into society as a law-abiding citizen." Processing takes longer and approval is not guaranteed.

Sexual assault convictions involving adults (not minors) do not trigger Schedule 1 but still receive heightened scrutiny.

Confirm Your Method of Trial

For simple assault and assault causing bodily harm, the single most important thing is confirming whether the Crown proceeded summarily or by indictment. This is the difference between a 5-year and a 10-year wait.

Your RCMP record won't tell you. You need your certified court documents. When you request them, specifically ask the clerk to confirm the method of trial. If they can't confirm (records destroyed, for example), you'll need to use the "unable to confirm" option on the PBC's Court Information Form, and the PBC will default to the longer waiting period.

Pro tip: when you go to the courthouse, don't just ask for "my record." Ask specifically for a "certified copy of conviction with full disposition, including method of trial." If you just say "my record," some clerks will hand you a printout that doesn't have the method of trial on it, and you'll have to go back. I learned this the hard way at the Newmarket courthouse.

Your Path Forward

Assault convictions carry more stigma than most — they're the first thing employers notice on a background check. A record suspension changes that completely. Standard background checks will come back clean.

The process is the same as any other record suspension: RCMP record, court documents, police checks, statement, and PBC application. The extra effort is in your statement — make it count.

My Pardon can scan your RCMP record and determine your exact classification and waiting period in about 60 seconds.