DUI Consequences for Entry into Canada

Many people are unaware that one of the consequences for a DUI conviction is that they are likely to be barred entry into Canada.

In Canadian law, at least up until the writing of this (2017), the Canadian equivalent of DUI is an offense that can be a "summary offense" or "indictable offense."

Canada bars entry to people for committing a crime which if committed in Canada would be an "equivalent offense." To do this, the Canadian agent looks to the "essential elements" of the offense.

This can even be true in many cases where the charge is amended to Negligent Driving 1st Degree or Reckless Driving.

After certain time periods, you can ask to be deemed rehabilitated, this may be five or ten years, depending on the circumstances. If you are deemed rehabilitated, then you are no longer barred from entry.

Thus, if you are charged with DUI and entry into Canada is an important factor to you, be sure to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney and to discuss this with them.