Problems crossing Canadian border from US with two dismissed cases? (attorney, purchase)

[thisismyuser]

So in about a month or two I plan to travel to Montreal for the weekend via car, coming from the US. I have had two assault and battery charges. One was outright dismissed 3 years ago, and another was continued without a finding and got dismissed about two years ago after having no trouble. I've had no trouble since. Can anyone give some insight as to whether this will be a problem when trying to cross the border? Also, should I bring proof that these were dismissed seeing as it was years ago (no idea where the papers are). Thanks.

[jambo101]

Do not volunteer info at the border but on the other hand if they catch you lying your entry into Canada may be denied, They will probably ask you something like have you ever been arrested or been in trouble with the law where upon answering honestly will have you being sent inside for further questioning,its at this point you describe the nuts and bolts about your dismissed cases and put forward any documentation about your dismissed cases. at this point its solely on the border guards discretion as to whether you get to go to Montreal or not,dressing neatly,being courteous and polite will be to your favor but theres no guarantees.
If you know the border you are crossing at you could call them up and talk with an actual border guard and ask him what you need to bring with you as far as documentation .

Some reading on the issue=
http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-.../#.VYYd0FLP20Y

http://immigrationcanada.pro/criminal-issues/

best of luck.

[stufried]

Get certified copies of the dismissal orders. Also purchase a public copy of your criminal record. If the arrest and convictions don't show there, it will be helpful. What you have is analagous to a Camadian conditional discharge which is not a conviction under Canadian law.

IF you are looking for an attorney (like the prior poster referred to), try Marcia Feil in Montreal at fwcanada.com. She'll know the details concerning the local crossing points. You are welcome to drop my name, PM me for my information. I do the same as she does for Canadians heading to the U.S. with records and we are pretty good friends.

[thisismyuser]

Well I'm traveling tonight, I'll update here either next week (hopefully) or tonight with the results for other people's purposes. Have certified copies of the cases, along with a copy of my criminal record which shows "non-conviction" and "dismissal" for all of the offenses, so I'm quite hopeful.

[stufried]

Post your experience when you are back.