International Travel After a DWI Conviction
The consequences of a DWI conviction are severe at all levels.
Even though most convictions are misdemeanors, recent years have seen an increase in penalties as well as a strict concentration on detection and interdiction.
DWI enforcement and prosecution have become nearly federalized nationwide; nearly all states follow almost identical guidelines. Standards of intoxication approach uniformity nationwide, too, as do penalties and consequences.
One consequence of a conviction that is less well known is a possible limitation on travel.
Travel within the United States, of course, remains unaffected, but when it comes to International travel, a conviction can have serious consequences.
A drunk-driving conviction can result in a person being barred from International travel, even when the conviction may be years old. Effects vary from country to country, but some nations significantly restrict travel by offenders.
DWI Travel into Canada Poses a Serious Challenge
Many countries consider any crime a bar to entry. It becomes a matter of definition as to whether a conviction will be considered a crime that prevents entry to the country.
If your DWI conviction is a felony and causes serious injury or death results, it could be considered such a crime. However, there is no real consistency or uniformity in this handling since it is always a matter of the laws of the particular nation in question.
It is worthwhile to investigate the local law if you are planning to travel. Interestingly, travel into Canada poses one of the most challenging and limiting situations of all nations.
Before you enter Canada after a DUI, you will be subject to a very restrictive policy and that may actually prevent you from entering.
The U.S. Department of State quotes:
“Americans with a DWI record must seek a waiver of exclusion from Canadian authorities before traveling to Canada, which requires several weeks or months to process.”
DWI in Canada is an offense closely resembling that of the United States in its severity and its legal disposition. It is equivalent to the US in its consequences.
Beginning in 2001 after the Al Quaida attacks on the New York Twin Towers, the United States and Canada adopted an open sharing of information regarding criminal prosecutions and convictions. With that, Canada has ready access to records of DWI convictions.
Moreover, Canada considers any criminal conviction to be an “offense” warranting enhanced scrutiny upon entry into the nation. Understanding these consequences and trying to overcome them, is a complicated matter, but one of tremendous importance.
If you are not legally represented, and you have been arrested, our DWI attorney can help you gain a thorough and successful disposition. With New Hampshire being so close to Canada, it's important to know the legal ramifications.
Seek Representation from a NH DWI Attorney Who Knows the Law
Perhaps you are a resident of New Hampshire facing DWI prosecution. The state imposes some of the most severe penalties and follows some of the strictest handling in the entire country.
Don't tackle this alone and don't simply submit to the ready imposition of sentence encouraged by the court. Instead, launch an active drunk-driving defense. For that, consult Attorney Ryan Russman, who can advise and represent you throughout the process.
Attorney Russman can assist you with any DWI legal issue you may be facing. He has the experience to mount a powerful defense on your behalf.