Border crossing warning.

[tarp]

Canada does not have felonies. They have indictable offences and summary offences. DUI is a hybrid offence and can be charged either way.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by callmemaybe

Does anyone else think it's a little bit harsh how if you have a DUI you can never visit Canada? Even if you come into the country by bus? I mean I don't have one, I don't even know how to drive, and I know they have a right to turn away anyone they wish, but it seems a little bit harsh to me. I could understand if someone committed armed robbery or rape or something banning them from the country for life but just a DUI?

Never is a strong word. The officers have a tremendous amount of discretion, and additionally you can apply for a Ministerial Permit that allows access.

[That Ottawa One]

Originally Posted by marc3565

never? there is a process you can go through to enter..

Canada takes DUIs a bit more seriously and considers them felonies. The US doesn't typically allow felons to enter the US either..
If you've been convicted of possession of one marijuana joint you can also be denied entry both ways. I think someone smoking one joint is unlikely to have been in a position to harm anyone. Someone convicted of DUI likely drove drunk more than just the one time and could have at any time killed someone .

People don't seem to be aware that there is a process they can use to try to get a pardon for an offence that prevents them from crossing the border (not just for any offence, though). And, considering it's an international border, there has to be a line drawn somewhere. It might not seem fair to some people, but then again, I wouldn't want a foreigner coming into my country and driving a rental car three sheets to the wind, careening down my local highway, why would I want that person to have the privilege of being a guest in my country? No thanks.

[rls929]

Originally Posted by evanusc

Dude, it was meant to be a metaphor.
Average Americans tend it take it for granted that their country can assume everyone to be a terrist on the border but should be waved in politely as long as they show their US passport because they will spend money in other countries.
Guess what, the world is different now.

The world didn't change, only some peoples' attitudes became more cynical.

[Annuvin]

Originally Posted by Mikezx

I'm not talking about serious crimes here folks. I'm taking about the most trivial minor misdemeaner charges that they can drag up off a data base up to 30-40 years back.

You are making the mistake of assuming what qualifies as a "trivial misdemeanor" charge south of the border is going to looked at the same way here. In some American states, DUI is a misdemeanor charge. However, it is considered a serious charge in Canada, as is marijuana possession.

As stated previously, Canada is a sovereign country with laws that may vary greatly from the ones you are used to. As with planning any international trip, you best do the research to ensure you conform to the qulaifications of entry to avoid disappointment at the border. If unsure, contact the Canadian Consulate in your respective country.

[GregW]

We plan on travelling to Cananda soon and have applied for US Passports. How, without hiring a lawyer, does one check to see if they have any criminal offences on their "record'? I do not want to be stopped for something I may have completely forgotten.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by GregW

We plan on travelling to Cananda soon and have applied for US Passports. How, without hiring a lawyer, does one check to see if they have any criminal offences on their "record'? I do not want to be stopped for something I may have completely forgotten.

You don't remember if you've ever been to criminal court? I want whatever you've been smoking.

[MexiQuebecois]

Originally Posted by GregW

We plan on travelling to Cananda soon and have applied for US Passports. How, without hiring a lawyer, does one check to see if they have any criminal offences on their "record'? I do not want to be stopped for something I may have completely forgotten.

FBI — Criminal Background Check

I recently had to get this paper in order to immigrate to Canada. It's fairly easy to get, you just mail a set of fingerprints and an information sheet to the FBI headquarters in West Virginia along with proof of payment for the request ($18) and you should have it within 4 - 6 weeks. If you want you can go to your local police station and they might be able to do the fingerprints for you. Check the site, it has everything you need.