DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve heard many secondhand answers about the following question. I would like to know, once and for all, what the real law states.

If a person has an arrest record of any kind (be it OUI, etc.) and wants to visit Canada or Mexico, can he or she be stopped from entering those countries? Is there a time limit involved? Let’s say the record took place 10 years ago: Will that still prohibit that person from entering those countries?

Would anything happen if that U.S. citizen happens to enter those countries by some means and then returns? When stopped at the U.S. border station, if the person has an old U.S. arrest record, would anything happen?

Thanks. — L., Lewiston

ANSWER: This was a most fascinating question. Sun Spots was surprised at the number of firm and varying opinions on this question as she asked around the newsroom. Most people, including the wife of a retired state trooper, thought you could not cross the U.S. border with an OUI on your record.

However, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (www.cbp.gov), the U.S does allow those individuals to enter the country. The following question and answer appear on that website.

“Can I be admitted into the U.S. if I have either a misdemeanor or criminal record (for example a DUI)?

“The U.S. does not deny entry to persons with a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, although if there are multiple convictions for this and or other misdemeanors, you could be denied entry.

“Generally, any convictions for drug possession can result in denial of entry. If the conviction was long ago, you might contact the U.S. Embassy, Office of Consular Affairs, in your country to obtain a waiver. Other misdemeanors may result in denial if they were recent.”

Unfortunately, getting into Canada might not be so easy. According to http://tinyurl.com/23jwzmd, an association for Minnesota and Wisconsin lawyers (as well as many other websites), the Canadian government does not allow those with OUI convictions into the country:

“Many countries classify certain crimes as a reason to refuse (or limit) entry into their country. The Canadian government has determined certain individuals are not allowed to enter Canada or to remain inside the Canadian borders if they have committed certain crimes including a DWI or DUI offense. Other crimes that may limit admission to Canada include, without limitation: embezzlement, shoplifting, theft, assault or battery, firearm charges, drug charges.

“Any felony conviction will also result in a denial of admission to Canada.

“Minister’s Approval Necessary for Entry: The only way to seek admission into Canada after a DWI or other qualifying offense is to apply for a Minister’s Approval of Rehabilitation. For a DWI, this process can be initiated only five years after the probationary period for an offense such as a DWI has elapsed.”

If your conviction was 10 years ago, applying for permission seems promising.

Mexico does not seem to have similar restrictions, but Sun Spots cannot be sure. According to online sources, there seems to be very lax screening of those entering Mexico; it’s getting back into the U.S. that’s difficult!

If you are planning to fly to Mexico, your airline or travel agent can probably help you with this question. Or you could contact the Mexican embassy to be absolutely sure: Embassy of Mexico: Tourism Office, 1911 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20006-3445, 202-728-1750.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In answer to your reader’s question on Nov. 1, Hodgman’s Frozen Custard, New Gloucester, will be open Dec. 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If we don’t sell out, we will be open Dec 11, same hours.

Our flavors will be vanilla, chocolate and black raspberry in quarts only. The telephone answering machine message is on (926-3553), and you can call and get the hours and flavors there also. We are not reserving any orders. Come early. Thank you. — Joyce Hodgman, joyceh1036@yahoo.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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