Border Crossing with DWI

[snagger]

Does anyong have information about crossing the border if you have been convicted of a DWI? I heard you need to fill out some paper work and prove you've been rehabilitated and they look at your record for the past 10 years. I guess they are cracking down on it more lately.

[Ben Trod]

The last I heard you also have to pay a hefty one time fee when you cross. I think it's about $250. Good luck

[Timtation]

Hi there, Crossed over at Int. Falls last Sunday morning. The DWI question never came. Just a few simple ?s, How much alcohol, tobacco, where were from, how we know each other. Came back yesterday about noon, same questions, took about 5 minutes. We fished Lac-seul, Fishing was FANTASTIC!! Lots of 3-6pound walleyes. Between 7 guys we caught close to a 1000 walleyes. The water is way down though, 8-10 feet. Look out for the rocks and stumps.

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[Paul Waldowski]

Snagger,

Anything that is over 10 years old, you are considered "rehabilitated" and no further action is necessary. If it has been less than that, you may run into problems. Call the camp that you are staying at and they can help you out.

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Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Paul Waldowski (edited 08-02-2003).]

[Redlantern]

Paul, where did you get your information on the time it takes to be "rehabilitated"? I thought it was longer than five. I hear so many different answers that I become skeptical of them all. I'd like to get into Canada but have somewhat of a colorful history. So if you could lead me to the source of your info, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

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Erik

[Paul Waldowski]

Redlantern,

Will try to track down a HSOforum or something for you. I got the info from several of the outfitters/resorters in the Sioux Narrows Region. The law that repealed it to 10 years went into effect on June 28th 2002.

Just got off of the phone with one of the resorts up there. They tried to get it pushed down to 5 but it didn't go through. It is 10 years.

Here's a link that can help you with more info:

http://ftp.canadatourism.com/ctxuploads/en_publications/CTC_Fact_Sheets_2002-03.pdf

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Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Paul Waldowski (edited 08-02-2003).]

[Hemlock]

Paul posted a valuable link (which I've never seen, and glad I have)

Which resort(s) have been helping you in the Sioux Narrows area Paul?

It would definately be in their best interest to provide as much help as possible to those potential customers. I've got a buddy who is supposed to be in my wedding next June. He got a 4th degree (least severe, run of the mill, 1st DWI) and I've got to figure out a way to get him up there. The fact that he's in law enforcement (DWI prior to working for L.E.) doesn't help at all.

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Hemlock
"Throw'm back"

[Paul Waldowski]

Hemlock,

At times, over the last year I have talked with Whitefishbaycamp, Last Resort and Houseboat Adventures, all have been very helpful and I would recommend any of them.

I will be up there in less than 2 weeks. Hemlock are you going to be around?

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Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Paul Waldowski (edited 08-03-2003).]

[JZ]

Hemlock, My advice is, when you have a poison ivy rash, scratch it. There is only one way to get this person into canada. Hide him under you boat cover when you head to the sioux. Tell the person when there are hiding in the boat not to laugh when at the border. That may tip the customs people off. Good luck!!! and Gods speed

[Guest]

If the offense is a felony offense in Canada, such as a DUI is in Canada, and less them 5 years your not getting into Canada no matter what. From 5-10 years depending on the nature of the offense or offense's you may be eligible for a rehabilitation exemption, at a price.

If you try to lie to them at the border, and get caught, Ah...not good..nope. They will detain you and possibly press charges to boot Eh. So be honest and answer all questions asked truthfully.

Be very polite at all times with border officials. Any disrespect will make you day a bad one or a VERY LONG ONE I assure you of that. They can hold you for 24 hours or up to 72 hours just for suspicion, then send you back a packing across to the USA. So be smart...Don't tick them off! They have a job to do, a often thankless one, so be polite.

www.travelmanitoba.com/visitorinfo/custom_regs.html
The Customs site listed above is a big help.

If you think you may have an issue check with the customs officially ahead of time. They will work with you if they can under the laws they live with.

*Helpful tip* Prior to visiting Canada, United States motorists should obtain a Canadian non-resident interprovincial motor vehicle liability insurance card from their insurance company. Possession of a card, properly filled out, is an indication that your insurance company has agreed to abide by the minimum limits of financial responsibility prevailing in Canada. This is a free card that all insurance agents should have on hand. It shows your doing your homework, they like to see it.

Remember it is their country, like it or not, they have there own laws we as visitors must obey.

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Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding "ED on the RED"
701-281-2300
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 08-04-2003).]

[Hemlock]

Paul,

I don't think I'm going to be up, but there's a chance I'll be there the 15-16th weekend. Will you be at the Last Resort then?

Backwater, thanks for your input on the DUI.

JZ, I don't know what to tell you. I think you've got your brain on Pioneer way too much.

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Hemlock
"Throw'm back"

[Paul Waldowski]

Hemlock,

I will probably be fishing Yellow Girl Bay the weekend of the 16th and 17th. I will not be at the Last Resort. We will have a houseboat that week. If you are out and about I'll be in a maroon Mr. Pike with Fishing Minnesota lettering

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Paul
[email protected]

[Redlantern]

Bill, I'm in the same boat as your friend, my DWI was eight years ago. I've heard getting into the US is harder than Canada. I figure they are just trying to protect their citizens. Can't blame them for that. The good news is that they are starting to let some people in on a re-hab permit after ten years of staying out of trouble. Lot's of paperwork but it's another reason for me to stay out of trouble.

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Erik

[Bill-E-Bazz]

We go to Quetico park every year and have to send for remote border pass, and last year one of our buddies wanted to go, he sent his app. in along w/$30 and was denied because he had a DUI 4 years ago. My question is why they won't give him a pass? All he wants to do is catch some nice fish and have a good time, it's not like he's going to drink and canoe(well maybe), but who is he going to hurt if there isn't anybody around for miles? My other buddy had a DUI about 6 years ago and they let him in. Is it the same for canadiens trying to come over the other side? It just ticks me off when someone wants to have a good ol' time fishing and can't!!! Sorry for the venting!! Good Fishin'