Absolute discharge
A sentencing outcome in which the accused is found guilty but not convicted, leaving no conviction on their record and no conditions to follow.
An absolute discharge is the most lenient sentencing outcome in Canadian criminal law: the court finds the accused guilty but discharges them instead of entering a conviction, with no conditions attached. A conditional discharge is similar but requires the offender to comply with a probation order first, becoming absolute once the conditions are met.
A discharge is available only for less serious offences (not those carrying a minimum penalty or the highest maximum sentences) and only where it is in the accused's best interests and not contrary to the public interest. Because no conviction is registered, a discharge can significantly reduce consequences for employment, travel, and immigration, which makes it a common defence objective in first-offender cases. The finding of guilt is still recorded, and discharge records are subject to their own retention rules.