What happens at the end of a criminal case — a sentence, a discharge, a peace bond, or simply the fact that a record now exists — can matter as much as the case itself. This hub organizes the site's guides on sentencing outcomes and on criminal records: what appears on one, who can see it, and options like record suspensions.
For a broader introduction to records and a plain-language guide to peace bonds and record suspensions, see the Criminal Records, Peace Bonds and Other Outcomes Insights hub.
Sentencing Outcomes
Sentencing Overview
The site's main sentencing hub.
Read Guide SentencingSentencing Principles Under the Criminal Code
The general principles courts apply.
Read Guide SentencingWhat Happens at a Sentencing Hearing?
The general structure of this hearing.
Read Guide SentencingAbsolute and Conditional Discharges
How discharges generally work.
Read Guide SentencingSuspended Sentences Explained
What a suspended sentence generally means.
Read Guide SentencingProbation as a Sentence: How It Works
General features of a probation order.
Read Guide SentencingConditional Sentences: Eligibility and Conditions
Serving a sentence in the community.
Read Guide SentencingCustodial Sentences: How They Work
General features of custodial sentences.
Read Guide SentencingFines as a Criminal Sentence
How fines are generally used as a sentence.
Read Guide SentencingRestitution Orders: How They Work
Orders requiring payment to a victim.
Read Guide SentencingAncillary Orders in Criminal Sentencing
Additional orders that can accompany a sentence.
Read Guide SentencingVictim Impact Statements
How these statements generally factor into sentencing.
Read Guide SentencingSentencing and Indigenous Offenders
Gladue principles and their general role.
Read GuideCriminal Records
Criminal Records Overview
The site's main criminal-records hub.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsWhat Appears on a Criminal Record?
General categories of information on a record.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsFindings of Guilt in Criminal Cases
How a finding of guilt generally becomes a record.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsPolice Records vs. Criminal Records
An important general distinction.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsTypes of Criminal Record Checks
General categories of record checks.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsVulnerable Sector Checks Explained
A more detailed category of record check.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsEmployment Considerations With a Record
General considerations for employment.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsImmigration Consequences of a Record
Why this needs case-specific advice.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsUS Travel Considerations With a Record
Why this needs case-specific advice.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsRecord Suspensions: General Overview
The federal record-suspension process.
Read Guide Criminal RecordsRemoving Non-Conviction Information
Options where a case did not end in conviction.
Read GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Is a discharge the same as a criminal record?
Discharges are treated differently from a conviction in several respects. See Absolute and Conditional Discharges and Discharges and Your Criminal Record for more detail.
Can a criminal record be removed?
Depending on the case, options like a record suspension or removing non-conviction information may be available. See Record Suspensions and Removing Non-Conviction Information.
What is a peace bond, and is it a conviction?
See Peace Bonds in Ontario in our Insights library for a plain-language explanation.
Does sentencing affect what appears on a record?
Generally yes, though exactly how can depend on the type of sentence and the offence. See What Appears on a Criminal Record.