Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Canada Traveler Information: DWI or DUI Driving or Other Misdemeanor Convictions


Are you considering taking a trip to Canada? Looking forward to a honeymoon in British Columbia?  Hunting elk in Alberta? Visiting your cousin in Toronto?  Well, if you have been convicted of DWI or DUI, or many other misdemeanor convictions within the last ten years, make sure you take care of the issue before you try to cross the border.  Any type of impaired driving offense is considered the equivalent to the Canadian Criminal Code offense of impaired driving, and Canadian law considers impaired driving (driving with a blood alcohol concentration above .08) to be a serious offense. In fact even a first offense conviction of impaired driving results in a criminal record, a minimum $1000 fine, and a driving prohibition for a minimum of one year.

Routine screening upon entry into Canada includes the question, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”  If you have been convicted of impaired driving, or other offenses you may feel are minor, you may be denied entrance.  More importantly, if you're entering from the United States, as part of post-911 security measures, border agents may already have access to criminal records. If you lie or forget about a conviction, you may be barred from entry into Canada for many years.  

A person with a conviction may be deemed rehabilitated and be eligible for entry after a certain period of time,   depending on the offense.  This period may be as short as 5 years or as long as 10 years. 

You may also apply for individual criminal rehabilitation, 5 years following the original conviction.







Contact Us From Anywhere in the U.S.
(952)525-2285 ♦ satveer@chaudharylawoffice.com
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Satveer Chaudhary is the founding lawyer of Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC.  In practice over 10 years Chaudhary brings 14 years of legislative experience as a State Senator and Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives to each and every case

Satveer S. Chaudhary is a lifelong sportsman and former wildlife and conservation policy- maker. As an attorney, he represents hunting and fishing organizations, businesses, individual hunters and anglers, and serves on the board of Safari Club International. He has worked in a variety of capacities with National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever. He knows the law because he helped make it.

The information provided is offered for informational purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute legal advice. Chaudhary Law Office, PLLC does not seek to represent you based upon your review of this brochure. You should not make legal hiring decisions based merely upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.




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