Sportsman Lawyers bLAWg: denied entry

Monday, April 16, 2012

But it was only a minor offense? Canada's rules of entry

So are only felons denied entry at the border into Canada? Not hardly! Even more minor offense can keep you from your honeymoon, business trip or hunting adventure in our neighbor to the north.

Canada defines "inadmissible," as taken directly from the Canadian Embassy's official website:

"Members of Inadmissible Classes include those who have been convicted of MINOR OFFENSES (including shoplifting, theft, assault, dangerous driving, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of illegal substances, etc.), or of INDICTABLE CRIMINAL OFFENSES (including assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, etc.). As well, those who have been convicted of DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) are considered Members of an Inadmissible Class. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is regarded as an extremely serious offense in Canada.

So regardless of how minor you feel the offense was, it may be sufficient in the eyes of the Canadian Border Patrol to send you packing back home. Check it out before you go!

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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.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Welcome to Pembina, ND: A Canada Border Crossing Tale

Shortly before 9/11 Steve, a Cleveland native, was traveling with buddies to a softball tournament in Manitoba. When questioned at the Canada/ North Dakota border, Steve revealed a long ago, almost forgotten, DWI to Canadian authorities. Unfortunately for Steve, that really changed the outcome of his planned trip to Canada.

After sharing the information with Canadian authorities, he was marked as inadmissible for entrance. For the next three hours, Immigration officials questioned Steve regarding the offense, and finally denied his entrance into the country. His team mates proceeded to the tournament without him. Steve missed out on so much by forgetting about the Canadian border crossing regulations. He lost the time and gas money driving to Canada, wasted the deposit for his Canadian hotel and missed out on the wonderful male bonding experience of being with his buddies.

So while the rest of his team played softball in Winnipeg, Steve spent the weekend alone in downtown Pembina, North Dakota, exploring the local gas station and church museum, until his team picked him up days later on their way home. A wasted opportunity, because Steve failed to realize that due to a long ago conviction, he needed to legally prepare or be left behind at the border.

So, if you have any business, personal or recreational trip to Canada planned, be prepared and consult with a lawyer to answer your questions to see if you may be at risk for a weekend tour of Pembina, North Dakota.