DUI v DWAIs

As a Colorado criminal lawyer, it’s crucial to understand the implications of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction for clients with interests in Canada. In Canada, a DUI conviction is considered a serious criminal offense that can lead to severe consequences, including inadmissibility to the country for up to 10 years.

While some may consider a DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) charge a lesser offence based on domestic circumstances, it’s important to note that it can still result in inadmissibility to Canada. Under Canadian law, a DWAI conviction is considered equivalent to a DUI conviction, meaning that it can result in the same severe consequences.

For individuals with interests in Canada, such as work or leisure, a DUI or DWAI conviction can significantly impact their ability to enter the country. This can have severe implications for their personal and professional lives.

Therefore, it’s important to seek legal counsel and take appropriate steps to avoid a DUI or DWAI conviction to ensure that clients can continue to travel to Canada without any legal barriers.

Post December 2018

Impaired driving has always been taken seriously by Canadian authorities, and the potential Canadian consequences for those with a conviction have been well-known among Colorado criminal lawyers. 

In December 2018, Canada introduced new impaired driving laws, which amended the Criminal Code and introduced new penalties for impaired driving offenses, and it has become more difficult to overcome impaired driving convictions and the associated immigration consequences.

Can it be over come?

Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) and Criminal Rehabilitation are two options available to individuals who have been convicted of impaired driving and wish to travel to or stay in Canada. Both options can help individuals overcome the immigration consequences of a impaired driving conviction. 

While a TRP is a temporary solution that can be granted for a specific period, Criminal Rehabilitation is a more permanent solution that allows individuals to enter Canada if they can demonstrate that they have been rehabilitated and are unlikely to re-offend.