Discharge

A Discharge of any type is the best possible sentence you can receive short of a Resolution. A Discharge means that the Court has found you guilty of a criminal offence, but rather than entering a conviction against you, has chosen to show leniency and ‘discharge’ you, either conditionally or absolutely.

Conditional Discharge vs. Absolute Discharge

The difference between a conditional discharge and absolute discharge is that unlike an absolute discharge, a conditional discharge requires a term of probation. That is, in the case of a conditional discharge, the court will indicate that you will be discharged, but only after you fulfill the terms of either a one, two, or three year probationary period. This probationary period will typically involve things like reporting to probation every two weeks, counselling, and community service.

Discharges are rarely granted. In order to receive an Absolute or Conditional Discharge, there must be no minimum sentence specified in the Criminal Code. Further, discharges typically apply to relatively low level offences, and typically require unique personal circumstances.

The list of unique circumstances that may be relevant is not exhaustive, but can include some of the following:

  • Risk of loss of employment if convicted
  • Risk of deportation if convicted
  • An indication that an underlying mental health concern contributed to the wrongful behavior
  • An indication that some sort of coercion or undue pressure caused the wrongful behavior

Curative Discharge

Curative discharges are applicable in impaired driving cases only, and have a very unique set of qualifying criteria.

In the most general of terms, to qualify for a Curative Discharge there must be:

  • A significant and ongoing history of alcohol dependence,
  • A significant alcohol dependence at the time of the offence,
  • A willingness to change, and
  • A likelihood of success

Typically expert evidence and formal medical diagnosis will be required, as well as a requirement that you personally testify to, among other things, the above mentioned issues.

Discharges

  1. What is a conditional discharge?
  2. What is an absolute discharge?
  3. What effect will a discharge have on my criminal record?
  4. What is a curative discharge?
VIEW ALL SERVICES

View Our

Successful Cases

Our team of experienced criminal defence lawyers has defended clients in over 10,000 cases across Canada.

Learn More

Client Reviews

Ellen did wonderful stuff for me and got my charges stayed she is an awesome lawyer and I would recommend her too anyone thank you so much for your help this past year

S.

Best lawyer in town I highly recommend DAN and his team they went above and beyond on my case best experience with this law firm highly highly recommend

F.E.

I highly recommended Jessica she got all my charges withdrawn and I didn’t even have to show up to one court hearing she took care of everything so I got to stay working and didn’t have to miss a day the only time I was going to have to show up was trial but it didn’t get that far before she got all charges withdrawn if I could give them a ten I would best lawyer I’ve ever had and actually tried to get them withdrawn not just get me fines and on probation!!!

J.A.

I’m glad I made the right choice to retain the legal services of Mr. Daniel Murphy who represented me in a very difficult criminal case that was very hard to beat due to the circumstances surrounding the case. Mr. Murphy advised me wisely and approached the matter with a well-planned legal strategy. He is well versed with the law and plans ahead. I’m grateful for the depth of intellect he has brought to the court. He is firm, fair and understands the tactics of the crown prosecutors and will not be caught unaware of their plans.

I.A.
READ OUR REVIEWS
GET A FREE CONSULTATION