Petty Theft and Entering Canada

[pennyhoney]

Hello,

I was caught shoplifting less than $300 at a retailer in CA. I have been cited by the police and due in court soon. I will like to enter Canada during Christmas. Is that a possibility? I understand they are very strict in letting in people who are "Criminal Inadmissibility". I am charged with a misdemeanor, but hope to have it reduced to an infraction. If that is successful, it will not be on my criminal record.

I was told if the item was less than $50, an infraction might be possible. Even if i hire a criminal lawyer, what is the possibility to have it changed from a misdemeanor to an infraction?

And if I plead innocent in November, and the lawyer and the DA negotiate a plead deal, and am I allowed to enter Canada during that time? Technically, I am innocent before proven guilty, but I was reading from the Cdn website, and it said I am Criminal Inadmissibility if I am pending trial.

Any help will do. I will contact a immigration lawyer in November after the initial court date.

Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

The Canadian government could refuse you entry, under their current policies. They have access to a wide array of U.S. criminal record information courtesy of the "war on terror".

[usedbranflakes]

Your best bet would be to check with the Canadian Embassy in D.C.

My DUI arrest prevented me from travelling to or through Canada. It all depends on who the immigration officer is and what mood they are in regarding the arrest with no conviction. A DUI in the States is a misdemeanor where, in Canada, it would be the equivalent of our felony.

http://www.canadaimmigrationlaw.net/...onvictions.htm