Hiring a criminal defence lawyer is the best way to get the most minimal penalty possible for the crimes you have been charged with. In Ontario, there are many different outcomes when you have been accused of a crime, including absolute and conditional discharges.

Both kinds of discharge mean you have been found guilty but have not received a conviction. It is a legal sentence but does not result in a criminal record (though some background checks may flag it) as no conviction has been received.

Keep reading now to learn more about discharges in Ontario law and the difference between an absolute discharge and a conditional discharge.

ABSOLUTE DISCHARGES

An absolute discharge is the lowest possible sentence in Canadian law. Absolute discharge can be given when the accused is found guilty during a plea hearing or a criminal trial.

An absolute discharge may also be referred to as an unconditional discharge and is usually given because of the accused's personal circumstances. The judge may issue an absolute discharge because the crime does not warrant a criminal record.

Eligibility for an absolute discharge is conditional that the crime committed does not have a mandatory minimum punishment, nor is it punishable by 14 years or life imprisonment.