Ten years ago I had a domestic dispute with my husband. He was holding me down and there was a butterknife (yes a butterknife) on the chest freezer he was holding me down by my wrist on. So somehow I got it and tried to like scratch him so he could let go of my wrist. I was charged with 2nd degree but it was dropped to offensive touching which is a misdemeanor. I was very honest with the guy that I spoke to, to cross the border. My husband left bruises around my wrist. I kicked and screamed but I couldn't get away. My biggest mistake was when the police came I was trying to leave and said either arrest me or let me go. Wow that was dumb. But anyway now I was allowed to cross two times prior to this date. Told him exactly what happen and told him that it was dropped to offensive touching. He denied me entry for life and told me in order to re-enter I would have to see the consulet. Since then I have been divorced met a Canadian man and am having his twins.

My question is if I get this expunged will the Canadian border still deny me entry. I know they typed in the information about the situation but the guy didn't even listen to me he heard knife and that was it. I have never ever been convicted of any other crime my husband was convicted at the time also. I left in tears treated like a common criminal. I felt like they accepted spousal abuse. :( I am afraid if I get it expunged and try to cross they will stop me. What do I say, isn't an expungement like an aquital. Do I try for a pardon? Please help, I would like my twins to meet there grandparents and cousins in Canada.

Hello swirls:

An expungement is NOT like an aquital. It'a like an erasure. But, ALL law enforcement, and I expect the Canadians too can still see your conviction.

A Pardon, on the other hand, removes the conviction as though it never happened. Then, you'll be able to go to Canada.

You're going to need a lawyer to get it, though.

excon

Get an expungement and then speak with the consulate. Explain to them what happened and why you need entry to canada and try to get it reinstated.

Hate to be a bother but I am trying to get a pardon in America for this problem but unfortunately I was already denied access to Canada. If I get a pardon this will completely erase my crime but won't the Canadian border see I was denied and read why. Won't they turn me away again. Not to sound cheap or anything but first I have to pay for a pardon do I really have to pay the consulate also?