Curious - Criminal records & crossing

**harvestdream** · 01-26-2009, 11:34 PM

I saw this question in a post made 2 years ago but there no was given answer. I am curious if anyone knows....when going through customs at the canadian border (air or driving) does one's passport automatically show if there has been a criminal record and past charges when scanned? Or does border patrol just do random checks?

**OntarioVanMan** · 01-26-2009, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by harvestdream

I saw this question in a post made 2 years ago but there no was given answer. I am curious if anyone knows....when going through customs at the canadian border (air or driving) does one's passport automatically show if there has been a criminal record and past charges when scanned? Or does border patrol just do random checks?

The passport does NOT show your criminal record....only if they do a random check.....

Opps....I know the Canadian passport doesn't for sure...

**harvestdream** · 01-27-2009, 02:40 PM

Ok, I'm wondering if i can get some help/advice.

I have a friend flying in to see me who has 2 charges, one is 4 years old, the other is 5 years old, both misdemeanors. By his state's law, the 1 charge (a dwi, the other was underage drinking) was supposed to be dismissed upon completion of a rehabilitation program. We did a criminal record search, and no charges are showing up, but when he called the court office to confirm, they said no the charges weren't dismissed, and said the charges are still listed on their file system.

We just found out about Canada being so strict re: letting in people with records. He contacted his old P.O who has never heard of that, but offered to write a letter stating he is in good standing with the law and completed a voluntary rehabilitation program and has not even had so much as a speeding ticket since and as such is not deemed at risk to re-offend. He is also contacting the agency he completed his rehabilitation course through to get a certificate of completion, and will be obtaining his court records with dates etc.

Needless to say, I am anxious about his crossing, regardless. He is coming in via Toronto airport. Has anyone dealt with this before? Do they do criminal record checks on all Americans? Will he be given a chance to speak to someone and plead his case if he *is* flagged, or just be turned right around?

Thanks in advance for all your help/info.

**Tempest** · 01-27-2009, 02:51 PM

Based on our experiences with border crossings, the charges mentioned would not bar him from entering. Felonies, drug charges and assault or other "violent" charges will. Best bet is to contact your customs office and ask these questions in a "hypothetical" manner. A few minutes on the phone will ease you mind.

**OntarioVanMan** · 01-27-2009, 03:53 PM

If he's coming into Canada...that DUI will get him tossed....only an official pardon will get him in and its pricey....

They only spot check people....so roll the dice if he feels lucky...

**Scuba** · 03-30-2009, 11:17 PM

Canada Border Crossing Services here is a link to a Canadain lawyer that works for people needing a pardon to enter Canada my understanding for most things its about $700.00 US

**Scuba** · 03-30-2009, 11:20 PM

If they look into his background he wont leave the customs area of the airport he will be on the next bird going south. Traveling by air i would bet they will run a check on him since we give the names of people boarding a plane to the government of the country that they are going to

**JBCarroll** · 10-11-2009, 03:35 PM

If you or someone you know has any kind of criminal background you better check things out before trying to cross over into Canada. They can if they choose put you in jail for your past crimes here in the US. Or they can turn you around and send you back home. Ask yourself now, is it really worth the risk? And yes your going to be checked out, theres no such thing as random checks at the border. Sad part is its harder to get back into your own country than it is to cross over into a different country. Have all your paperwork right and all your own certificates ready.

**jrcarroll** · 10-12-2009, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Tempest

Based on our experiences with border crossings, the charges mentioned would not bar him from entering. Felonies, drug charges and assault or other "violent" charges will. Best bet is to contact your customs office and ask these questions in a "hypothetical" manner. A few minutes on the phone will ease you mind.

Also ask what if anything is needed to clear up the problems. Second time I went to Canada on a run I sat in customs for 3 hrs. I did all the 'leg' work my self and got things cleared up.
** tresspassing is one of the things you'll get tossed for.

A word to the wise. DO NOT ever lie to a customs official. 1st you will get reamed out, then get turned back. Set at a border crossing as a team truck was turned back, the driver not only lied once, but did it again. He was told if he ever came back and tried to cross he would end up in Canadian jail for a very long time..

**Yesteryear** · 11-29-2009, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by JBCarroll

If you or someone you know has any kind of criminal background you better check things out before trying to cross over into Canada. They can if they choose put you in jail for your past crimes here in the US. Or they can turn you around and send you back home. Ask yourself now, is it really worth the risk? And yes your going to be checked out, theres no such thing as random checks at the border. Sad part is its harder to get back into your own country than it is to cross over into a different country. Have all your paperwork right and all your own certificates ready.

Actually the checks are random. We know a couple that went to Canada frequently. They went to pass through customs an a random check was done on the husband and something came up from years past. He was turned back. They said the wife would have to leave the husband at the border and deliver the load alone. She refused and the load had to be transferred to another Panther truck. If a check is done every time you cross the border he would never have gotten into Canada to begin with however was going back and forth to Canada frequently until he finally got hit with the random check.

**Yesteryear** · 11-29-2009, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by JBCarroll

If you or someone you know has any kind of criminal background you better check things out before trying to cross over into Canada. They can if they choose put you in jail for your past crimes here in the US. Or they can turn you around and send you back home. Ask yourself now, is it really worth the risk? And yes your going to be checked out, theres no such thing as random checks at the border. Sad part is its harder to get back into your own country than it is to cross over into a different country. Have all your paperwork right and all your own certificates ready.

Actually the checks are random. We know a couple that went to Canada frequently. They went to pass through customs an a random check was done on the husband and something came up from years past. He was turned back. They said the wife would have to leave the husband at the border and deliver the load alone. She refused and the load had to be transferred to another Panther truck. If a check is done every time you cross the border he would never have gotten into Canada to begin with however was going back and forth to Canada frequently until he finally got hit with the random check.

**REGINA** · 03-25-2010, 04:29 AM

Usually restriction on "Charged" people apply if the trial is still pending, with no verdict or sentencing issued yet. Since in your case it has been concluded it should not be a barrier.