shop lifting

[bazil241]

Hi, I am cameroonian student, living in Accra, Ghana. I lived in Canada from 97 to 2008. In 2008 I was caught shoplifting in montreal, the police wasn't involved and I was ordered to pay a fine and present myself to court. I couldn't present myself to court as my student visa was expiring and I had to exit the country . I would like to know how to go about to solve this situation as I plan on visiting my brother who is a canadian citizen in a near futur!!!

 

[user828]

Hi, I am cameroonian student, living in Accra, Ghana. I lived in Canada from 97 to 2008. In 2008 I was caught shoplifting in montreal, the police wasn't involved and I was ordered to pay a fine and present myself to court. I couldn't present myself to court as my student visa was expiring and I had to exit the country . I would like to know how to go about to solve this situation as I plan on visiting my brother who is a canadian citizen in a near futur!!!

I would call the court clerk and find out what happened, could be a warrant too - see if you can resolve it first. The crime might be as big to have Canadian immigration refuse you

 

[not_a_lawyer_but]

Unfortunately for you, shoplifting is a minor offence, but it is still a criminal offence. Police does not have to be involved. If you were summoned to go to Court it means that charges were laid against your person.

Now, Failure to Attend (Appear) in Court when summoned to is a LOT MORE serious offence. It is actually a major federal and criminal offence. Most likely a bench warrant was issued against your person and you now have two offences in your criminal record, you are wanted by the Police and your chances of being admitted back to Canada (if it is not just to appear in Court and/or go to jail) are slim to NONE.

If you ever want to be able to come back to Canada, you would need to contact a criminal defense lawyer and one that is specialized in immigration and rehabilitation and try to get this issue resolved and obtain legal advice before you do anything else, especially trying to obtain a new visa, as this will otherwise most likely stick to you for the rest of your life.

 

[amikety]

Unfortunately for you, shoplifting is a minor offence, but it is still a criminal offence. Police does not have to be involved. If you were summoned to go to Court it means that charges were laid against your person.

Now, Failure to Attend (Appear) in Court when summoned to is a LOT MORE serious offence. It is actually a major federal and criminal offence. Most likely a bench warrant was issued against your person and you now have two offences in your criminal record, you are wanted by the Police and your chances of being admitted back to Canada (if it is not just to appear in Court and/or go to jail) are slim to NONE.

You absolutely need to contact a criminal defense lawyer and try to get this issue resolved and obtain legal advice before you do anything else, especially trying to obtain a new visa, as this will most likely haunt you for the rest of your life.

What he said. Chances of you getting re-admitted into Canada are about 0%. If you really want to return to Canada that badly, you need to find a lawyer experience in criminal immigration cases and rehabiliation. It will be a very long, tedious process. BTW, this makes you inadmissible for all of Canada, in all immigration classes.

 

[not_a_lawyer_but]

Thanks for the clarification, I have modified my post accordingly.

 

[Donhollio]

Why would any of us even want a thief to visit our country. Do my country a favour and stay in Ghana. I hope any efforts you make are refused by CIC.