The One Major Consequence of A DUI * Conviction That Your Lawyer May Never Tell You

Elizabeth Sweet, Esq
Jan 29, 2019
3 min read

In Washington, we enjoy being close neighbors with Canada. Whether it’s the shopping in Vancouver, touring of Victoria, or skiing at Whistler – Canada offers many amazing, lifetime experiences. And for most of us, entry into Canada is a simple and easy process. But, if you are facing a DUI or other criminal conviction, you could be banned from Canada for 10 years or more, without ever hearing about it.

If you find yourself charged with a crime, your defense attorney will advise you on the consequences of a conviction. Typically, this advise consists of information like a potential jail sentence, the fines and/or assessments and restitution costs, loss of rights, possible alcohol or drug assessment and follow up treatment, victim panel attendance and more. But it is very rare, if ever, to be advised that you are also facing a ban from Canada.

Why don’t lawyers or judges advise of this serious consequence? Simply put, they aren’t required to do so. Most lawyers and judges in the US are not going to take on the liability of advising you on Canada’s immigration policy since they are not educated on the subject. In addition, US lawyers and judges cannot, and do not, want to speak for the Canadian immigration authorities. So, if traveling to Canada is a high priority for you (like for business or family), this consequence bears an even dire importance.

Now, before we get to some possible solutions to this problem, here’s a bit more bad news: Even If your criminal charge is reduced to a lesser offense, this won’t necessarily reduce the time you are banned from Canada. This is because much of the decision to permit entry into Canada is a subjective one by the border authorities meaning.

However, there is hope. Under the right circumstances and with use of the right immigration application and supportive legal advocacy, we may be able to get you across the border sooner then the statutory time frame. To help determine whether this is possible, take the first step and fill out our free assessment form. Within 24 hours, we will give you straight forward feedback, including our experienced opinion of your case.

Here at Sweet Justice, we offer hope for everyone wanting or needing to access Canada. To make this possible, we charge a reasonable, one-time, flat fee (no hidden fees or costs) to prepare your application and supportive legal advocacy brief. Our goal is to get you into Canada by producing the most compelling application legally possible. Remember, there is always hope. Give us a call: (425) 576-4065.

*Crimes that make you inadmissible to Canada: