legal letter to enter Canada

Habitat#1

FNG
Joined
Sep 30, 2024
Messages
28
Was wondering if anyone had ever used one of the legal firms to get letter to ensure entry for a 30 year old DUI?
 

Scottf270

WKR
Joined
Sep 26, 2017
Messages
647
Location
Missouri
My understanding is after 10 years, with no further issues, you are good to go. I got a "driving award" in 1994 and went into Canada in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2016 with no issues.
 

wyodan

WKR
Joined
Jan 11, 2013
Messages
744
I had to get a letter from the court indicating that I had completed everything with my sentence. Mine was also over 10 years old. They still held me up at the border and searched my car, but finally let me in.
 

Agross

WKR
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
1,790
Location
Michigan
It used to be 10 years. I believe they changed it so now they can basically mess with you no matter how long it’s been if they want. I’ve crossed the border several times since my dui, and the only time they messed with me was when it had been a little less than ten years. They said you can either go back or pay a $200 “ temporary residence fee”. I paid it and we were on our way. Haven’t had any issues since. Think it’s been 23 years since my dui now.
 
OP
H

Habitat#1

FNG
Joined
Sep 30, 2024
Messages
28
I'm wondering if I get the lawyer in Canada to do it, will it ensure no issues?After all they want $1000 to write the letter
 

TSAMP

WKR
Joined
Jul 16, 2019
Messages
1,690
If its 30 years old and you have had no other drama I'd wager it's unnecessary. I believe the term is "deemed rehabilitation". The timing of when you got it, and the canadian equivalent punishment at the time you got it play the largest factor in assessing the rehabiliation requirements. As of recent law changed DUI is serious criminality in Canada, basically a felony in US standards. Ultimately your at the sole discretion of the border agent at the crossing.

If I was you I'd dig up records to prove when it happened and when the sentence was completed and fines were paid and take those documents with me to present should the need arise.

I would stay away from the DUI lawyers. They're not going to tell you your good to go wish we could help but you don't need us.
 

Agross

WKR
Joined
Jan 25, 2017
Messages
1,790
Location
Michigan
What he said ☝🏻. No way I’d pay $1000 for them to write a letter.
Be straight forward with them at the border when they ask you questions. Answer their questions but don’t volunteer a bunch of info. Just answer what they ask. Are you going for a hunt?
 
OP
H

Habitat#1

FNG
Joined
Sep 30, 2024
Messages
28
Tough decision as it's alot more if I did get kicked back and especially since I know someone it happened to that was going on a sheep hunt. Yes my daughter got her degree and is making great money so she wants to book a moose hunt.
 

S-3 ranch

WKR
Joined
Jan 18, 2022
Messages
1,167
Location
Texas / Hillcounrty
It used to be 10 years. I believe they changed it so now they can basically mess with you no matter how long it’s been if they want. I’ve crossed the border several times since my dui, and the only time they messed with me was when it had been a little less than ten years. They said you can either go back or pay a $200 “ temporary residence fee”. I paid it and we were on our way. Haven’t had any issues since. Think it’s been 23 years since my dui now.
^^^^^ this ^^^^^^
Don’t take a chance on it Canada is a weird foreign country
Get the Canuck lawyer to sort it out before hand , I have friends who have to fly
Home because Canada has canceled their visa on sheep hunts
A 20 year old DWI shouldn’t be a death sentence

Canada ships in to the USA, all their terrorist, murders , mentally insane
Or undesirable alien “ refugees “ ! Yet shuns a old DWI
 
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