Ascheman & Smith: Travelling to Canada and Unforeseen Consequences of a Conviction

Monday, January 4, 2010

Travelling to Canada and Unforeseen Consequences of a Conviction

Each year, Americans make over 20 million trips to Canada. However, there are many Americans who cannot legally enter Canada because they are deemed inadmissible. A lot of the time, the inadmissibility stems from a criminal conviction in the United States. For example, an individual who is convicted of a DUI in the United States may not be allowed into Canada.

However, there are a couple of different ways an individual who was convicted of a crime can gain entry into Canada. First, an individual can show that he or she has been rehabilitated. This is a long and potentially costly process, that will not allow entrance to Canada for at least five years after a sentence has been served. The five year time period begins after parole and probation conditions have been met.

Second, while not listed on the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website, some Canadian Immigration attorneys say an expungement will generally overcome inadmissibility. At Ascheman & Smith, we can help you get an expungement if you qualify for one.

I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of people unable to enter Canada had no idea that their travel would be restricted by a conviction, especially if it was a misdemeanor that only required the payment of a fine. However, it is important to remember that there are unforeseen consequences to criminal convictions. Contact Ascheman & Smith to find out the ramifications of the crime you are charged with.