Passport/Criminal record Question

[barleyfarmer]

Back in 88 I got charged with mischief (month after I turned 18),I plead guilty and paid restitution(under 500 bucks)!Will this make it a pain in the ass to get a passport?It was the first and only time I was in front of a judge and was crapping my pants and can't remember if I got a record out of it!Is it a misdemeanor or felony charge?I was going to cop shop next week for a record check anyways I just want to see before I get there if I might!Just a dumb ass kid with a bad temper got me into trouble and end up with a gay charge!LOL!!

 

[Summiteer]

Nope.

 

[goodngrubby]

It won't make any difference to the passport agency, but it could be a deal breaker getting into the States. The US border crossing guards can pull a power trip and deny you entry. Your mischief charge is a federal offence, so you will have to apply for a criminal pardon, and a US entry waiver. The pardon can take up to 2 years, and the US entry waiver can take up to a year....which is a total joke, because it has to be renewed every year. If you're travelling abroad, make sure you pick a destination that doesn't require you to land on US soil.

 

[dogsmack]

No problem but if asked at customs if you have been charged with anything don't hide it. Mostly our friends to the south ask. I've been to the UK, Europe and Asia with not as much as a twitch.

 

[barleyfarmer]

The wife is lining up a trip to Vegas in the fall and would feel like a total douche bag if they don't let me cross!Been watching those border guard shows and some seem alright and the next seem like real a-holes!

 

[the_real_wild1]

Get on the phone and make some calls NOW ! Don't wait till the last second

 

[plio7]

No problem but if asked at customs if you have been charged with anything don't hide it. Mostly our friends to the south ask. I've been to the UK, Europe and Asia with not as much as a twitch.

Yup went to the states a few years back. They asked if I had a criminal record.... I said no. She asked if I was positive. Then it came back to me that when I was young a dumb I got a DUI. Told her yes I had an impaired charge at 19. She said thank you and sent me through. Unless your record is for weapons, drugs, or a violent offense you should be ok

 

[Summiteer]

Canadian pardon has absolutely nothing to do with entry into the U.S. If you have committed a crime that they care about, a pardon will not get you into the country.

 

[snopro]

Yup went to the states a few years back. They asked if I had a criminal record.... I said no. She asked if I was positive. Then it came back to me that when I was young a dumb I got a DUI. Told her yes I had an impaired charge at 19. She said thank you and sent me through. Unless your record is for weapons, drugs, or a violent offense you should be ok

A good Hobbitt would have snuck in under the ropes.

 

[Redturbo]

If you have ever had you finger prints taken after being in court you have a criminal record. Even DUI's are criminal, like said need a US waiver, not a cdn pardon. US doesnt care about our pardons, & its a 12 to 18 months process to get a waiver. Max term on waiver is 5yrs, then have to start the process all over again. Your taking a chance, custom agent has the power to not let you in his/her country for dui's. Goggle US waivers, there is lots of info out there, good & bad.

 

[GYMBRAT]

They frown upon DUI's, B&E's etc more than they frown upon common assaults and other physical crimes....call the boarder and chat them up OR take a prevacation attemp across

 

[plio7]

When I crossed and talked to a border agent they told me violent crimes, drug related charges, and weapons violations are what they watch for. Why would they be more worried of a DUI than a violent offense? I'm not trying to start a pissing match just speaking from experience I have from crossing with that record

 

[Lowlife82]

When I crossed and talked to a border agent they told me violent crimes, drug related charges, and weapons violations are what they watch for. Why would they be more worried of a DUI than a violent offense? I'm not trying to start a pissing match just speaking from experience I have from crossing with that record

Just depends on if they r having a good day or not and the charge

 

[eclipse1966]

get your passport and do a couple dry runs crossing the border for a weekend between now and your vegas trip. When they ask admit to the charge and see if they let you in.

 

[rsaint]

I just went thru yesterday to vegas and was chosen for a full screen just because they said on Canadian side when at US side and i have had 2 prior diu 40ish years ago the asked me if i ever worked for williams roofing company 2x or any roofing company which never had and asked if i have ever been refused entry which is no but i have never told them about it may have to on the way out. Sure not warm here.

 

[Vipertonytro]

When I crossed and talked to a border agent they told me violent crimes, drug related charges, and weapons violations are what they watch for. Why would they be more worried of a DUI than a violent offense? I'm not trying to start a pissing match just speaking from experience I have from crossing with that record

I had a public mischief charge back in 87, Crossed the border 24 times between then and US thanksgiving three years ago... tried to go to Phoenix with three buddies for a weekend of R&R (Ball game,Hockey game and some Golf). Pulled me in to ask about my charges and fingerprinted me. Told me I wasnt going anywhere. When I said since when do I need a US Waiver they said you have always needed one. Finally got my US entry waiver a year and a half ago,still waiting on Canadian Pardon. Everytime I go to the States with the Waiver they pull you in the back and make you feel like a criminal in front of your Wife and kids and anyone around. Waiver is one year at a time and then renewed. it will cost ya at least a grand a year to renew it. And when i was going through the process the one lady at Pardons Canada said they are not supposed to be allowed to refuse entry due to DUI's but people have been refused. Bottom line I think its a Cash grab for the US but I wonder if they think the $1000.00/year they ding you for the US waiver is more than the Tens of thousands we don't spend because they make it so hard to get into their stupid country. Im sure that at 45 with a mischief charge in 87 Im a big National threat to them when Im trying to take my kids on a vacation!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pipes]

Just depends on if they r having a good day or not and the charge

X2. Watch your P's and Q's. yes sir no sir and don't give them any attitude. You piss off St Peter at the pearly gates he may delay your entry to heaven. You Piss off a border agent and you go straight to hell, do not pass go do not collect $200.00.

 

[MATTIAC]

my father in law got denied access into the states at a road crossing because they pulled up he had been arrested when he was 21 because there was a joint in the car, he wasnt charged but finger printed possibly. anyways that happened 26 or so years ago and they still denied him.

 

[Summiteer]

Here is a link to the US embassy page about entry with a criminal record.

 

[GYMBRAT]

When I crossed and talked to a border agent they told me violent crimes, drug related charges, and weapons violations are what they watch for. Why would they be more worried of a DUI than a violent offense? I'm not trying to start a pissing match just speaking from experience I have from crossing with that record

I only posted that because I had just called about it a couple weeks ago and that is what the Head Guard explained to me. I had called both Edmonton and Calgary airports security.....