legal letter to enter Canada

[Habitat#1]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Habitat#1]

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

 

[Szwampdonkey]

Yet they hand out free cocaine, meth, and heroin in Vancouver. Liberal hypocrisy at it’s finest.

 

[Old and gray]

Szwampdonkey for the win.

 

[TSAMP]

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]

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?

 

[Habitat#1]

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]

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

 

[flathead#2]

They tried to give us Sh** over my son's OTC allergy medicine.
Like someone else mentioned. Dont offer ANY other info.

 

[BCsteve]

Call CBSA, they're the ones you'll be dealing with.

Here's what Google says: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=152

 

[Doc Holliday]

Was wondering if anyone had ever used one of the legal firms to get letter to ensure entry for a 30 year old DUI?

PM sent

 

[Dos XX]

I was crossing to go into BC some years ago. The border crossing guy asked me, "when was the last time you were arrested?"

He didn't ask if I had ever been arrested. Tricky.

 

[3Esski]

as our 51st state, these issues will go away... I believe the temporary resident thing is the way to go, but also feel just rolling up and being honest if asked would be fine. if I had a hunt scheduled though, I'd be contacting someone from Canada at the place I intended on crossing and get their recommendation. I don't think they have any reason to honor a letter from an attorney.

 

[AKPA18]

Hunt elsewhere.

 

[thnksno]

Mine was over 10 years old and reduced to a reckless driving. Had the court paper showing it was reduced and got in march 1st. Went back may 15th for a bear hunt and got denied. Canada sucks. Better places to spend your money.

 

[Ron.C]

A f'n joke. About 20 years ago, our BC premier (similar to one of your state Governors) was charged with DUI while on vacation in Hawaii (I believe). Not only was that asshat let back in Canada but he never lost his job.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/b-c-premier-fined-for-drunk-driving-1.395741

Some archaic entry rules that in no way are in the national security/public safety interests of Canadians.

Anyhow, my recommendation would be not to risk entry (and potentially ruining a trip) by hoping things will go your way at the border. Make sure you have the required paperwork ahead of time and even contact CBSA at the crossing you plan on using ahead of time to make sure everything is in order.

best of luck