The impact of a conviction and subsequent inadmissibility can be significant. For instance, individuals whose jobs require regular entry into Canada may face serious career disruptions if deemed inadmissible. Additionally, those with family in Canada may be unable to visit loved ones due to this status.

A lawyer can not only appeal to the judge’s compassion by highlighting the personal consequences of a conviction but can also recommend lesser infractions that wouldn’t lead to inadmissibility if convicted. While this may not always be feasible for more serious charges, offenses like impaired driving or reckless driving can sometimes be negotiated down to a non-inadmissible traffic violation or even dropped entirely.

A legal opinion letter can outline these options and provide context for any mitigating circumstances that could justify a lighter sentence. If applicable, judges may give considerable weight to such letters during sentencing. As a result, many individuals who sought a legal opinion from an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer have been able to secure a lesser conviction and avoid inadmissibility.