Woohoo!!! The Process does work!! Just received my Criminal Rehab approval notification today (June 25, 2020), So clearly they are still processing applications despite COVID-19.
here is a recap of my timeline:
Sept 2012- DUI arrest(.15 bac) WA state
Jan 15, 2013 - Sentencing Date- DUI reduced to Negligent Driving, 2 years unsupervised probation, 90 day drivers license suspension.
Jan 15, 2015 case closed and Negligent Driving conviction entered.
Jan 15, 2020- eligible for CR.
Jan 25, 2020- sent completed CR package to NY IRCC (Canadian consulate)
Feb 13, 2020- received e mailed confirmation that my package was received, given my application and UCI number, and told 6-12 months processing times.
June 25, 2020- Approval for Criminal Rehabilitation received via email, exactly 5 months after I mailed in my packet.
You can absolutely do your TRP And CR applications without a lawyer. You simply need to pay attention to detail and include everything they ask for and be as clear, concise, and honest as possible where they require statements and explanations. Most importantly, you need to prove to them that you have matured and detail how you have grown/changed since your past indiscretion(s).