FreeOwl

So, among the consequences we must face for our drinking actions, we sometimes come across some unexpected things.

It turns out, with two DUI's, I am criminally-ineligible to visit Canada for LIFE.... or, until I am 'rehabilitated'.

To be considered rehabilitated I am going to have to engage a Canadian specialist attorney and go through a lengthy petition process that can take up to 5 years and thousands of dollars.

Step-by-step, I am addressing the consequences. I got out of debt. I'm working through FAA requirements relative to my pilot license. I am sober and have dealt with all the fallout of financial and life choices in addiction. Now, this one.

I have a job that covers Canada - but I can't go there. I live just a couple hours from the border, from some beautiful Canadian land and water, great fishing, some neat places to visit - but I can't cross that bridge to go enjoy those things or bring my kids there - because of booze.

SO.... I'm engaging an attorney and starting the process. It's a bummer, but it's life on life's terms and it's the consequences of my drinking actions. And just like with all the other things I've cleaned up - I will work through this one, too.

It'll sure feel good to land that first Canadian trout.....

Keep at it folks....

Keep facing the next hurdle, staying sober, and building that life you want.

Mattq2

Thank you for always being around here for us free owl. I enjoy your words of wisdom. Hope you get to Canada

misty2572

Your post reminded me of one more thing I have to feel grateful for. My drinking has taken me to many, many lows and I've done things that are hard to face. My gratitude is that, by the grace of God, I haven't had any irrevocable consequences of my drinking. I didn't kill anyone with my car (could have many times), I didn't take my own life from depression and hopelessness, and I've had no legal ramifications. I'm back to one day sober again, and determined that this will be the last time I start over. I can't wait to celebrate with you when you catch that trout!!

SoberLeigh

I love your determination, FreeOwl. You are an inspiration to me.

Hevyn

FreeOwl - I've heard this before, but hoped it was wrong, or an exaggeration. Very disturbing.
I admire your positive attitude, though.

2ndhandrose

I know you will make it here!

In advance of your arrival, I welcome you, FreeOwl!!!

Happy fishing!

Jsbodhi

Yes. Canada is very very strict with dui's!!

MIRecovery

I know it is not funny but you have to admit it is tragically humorous. To be banned from an entire country is a feat few can boast of. And of all countries, Canada? You have got to be kidding. All of my relatives are Canadian and more than a few are alcoholics and think nothing of drinking and driving.

Oh the messes we get ourselves into but the past is the past. We are no longer that person and eventually with some effort we will convince the world that our lives have changed

Ponies965

I also have DUI's and know a bit about this. Firstly, it isn't a criminal issue. They don't check your criminal background when entering Canada from the US, they check your driving record. So, ironically, non licensed drinkers are welcome, but not those of us with DUI's. You can actually be let off of your DUI charge in court but it will remain on your license. It is 10 years before you can enter Canada in any form (flying in, driving in, or walking) without prior consent from the government. Of course I do know someone with a DUI on her record and she regularly travels to Canada without issue, so I suppose it depends on the particular border guard you get and how vigilant he/she is. Yes. It is a strange law. My boyfriend lives 15 minutes from the border and is always proposing we go there for dinner but I just can't deal with the possible mortification of being turned away...even though my DUI charge is 4 years old. Six years to go...

August252015

Now that is some funny sh*t right there! It's so true - and we do have to laugh.

Thanks for sharing your post.

It really does feel good to tackle our crap - the next right thing. I have finally gotten payment plans arranged for ALL of my medical bills; whew. There is not much money to go around and some of them are tragically small (like....$10/mo for 80 months) but it feels good to have finally faced it all. And I have a criminal situation too (not banned from any countries, though - sorry, that just tickles me!) and this week got the official document that I PRAY is the right one to get the conviction expunged.

Truly, the messes. But it is good to be alive to handle clean them up. And I am going to have a fantastic memoir.

soberclover

Living a short hop from Canada, I've grown up with this knowledge and experience. Because we are near the Canadian border and everyone goes to Canada, it is part of what we often talk about in our Driver's Education classes. I also talk about it in the drug/alcohol class I teach in the high school I work at. They are super super strict about it and I know it is a costly and lengthy process to get approval to cross the border. A friend of mine recently had to sell his condo in Montreal that he has had for years as he acquired a DUI.

Best of luck to you -

brynn

Welcome to the banned from Canada club

Best of luck and met us know how it goes!
xo

couchloc

I also have 2 dui's. Good thing I'm already in Canada. But maybe I can't visit the states? Canadian dui laws and rules are massive cash grabs.

MythOfSisyphus

Good luck getting it all straightened out, Owl. I'd hate to never be able to fish in Canada again! Such a beautiful country.

Meraviglioso

ouch, that's rough. But you have a great attitude, facing the consequences and putting into motion a solid plan to overcome obstacles. Thank you for being such a positive inspiration to us.

FreeOwl

You can be let off your FIRST and single DUI automatically after 10 years. A second, however, renders you what they term 'criminally ineligible' and your only recourse is to petition the government for 'rehabilitated' status. In Canada a second DUI is a felony criminal offense.

Also, they do check other criminal backgrounds, as I've had a friend refused entry based on a vandalism charge.

There is a lot of subjectivity in their laws... so one can 'luck out' on any given day..... but the chances of being treated with leniency for multiple DUI convictions are very very low.

LadyBlue0527

FreeOwl, first, great attitude. No way around it, only through it. This too shall pass but not without a PITA to go through.

I did check, couchloc, the US does not judge apparently. Having a DUI will not stop you from entering.

Here's a good one for you. I had mentioned that my DUI is very freakish. It's continuing to get more freakish as time passes. I may never end up being charged with anything at all in court. However, due to it being on my driving record I still will go through the same. How is that fair? What happened to innocent until proven guilty? I can't even tell you my story and who knows when I will be able to. It's all a waiting game. However, since I refused the test I am suspended for 6 months and then get a provisional license for three months for work then get my full license back.

Thankfully, I will never have to deal with this again but to know that for the next 10 years it could be a crap shoot trying to enter, they may let me in, they may not, is a bit unsettling. This means that I will almost be retired before I'm free and clear. That's an unnerving thought.

Oh well, I'm alive and I am sober for good. That's the big positive.

Zebra1275

This is news to me and I live in a border state with Canada. Do you need to show a license if you take a train in? Would a passport work?

SweatyHands

I was in Vermont for 14 years before moving out here to Colorado last summer. Every time I crossed the border, I was sweating. I had only one DUI, and it was 17 years ago, but I was always convinced that I was going to get shut down at the border. There was never any issue with me getting in, but I definitely soaked some shirts with my sweat waiting in line to hand over my passport.

For the record, I am fairly certain that I know more people that aren't allowed into Canada than I do that are.

JoeCree

Sounds like you have your head in the right place Owl. There's a show called "Border Security" and deals with this very subject amongst others. One of the episodes describes your situation, but normally deals with people who have no idea. They get turned around immediately, and if they are caught lying, will be inelligable for entry for 10 years.
The Border patrol guys are pretty cool, as long as you are 100% honest with them. As long as you are being "rehabilitated" correctly and according to the law, you will find the entry to be a straight forward and easy event. Good luck.