Some people have to travel to the United States for occupational or personal reasons. Having a criminal record due to a conviction can cause problems at customs when these people try to enter the United States. However, there is a type of sentence that generally makes it possible for individuals found guilty to be able to enter the USA: an absolute discharge.
Criminal lawyer Xavier Cormier was defending a client charged with shoplifting. This client admitted having done the shoplifting. However, she had to go to the United States often for occupational reasons. Therefore, Mr. Cormier negotiated with the Prosecutor so that the latter suggest the Judge give an absolute discharge to the client. The client made a donation to a charity organization, and then pleaded guilty as charged. The Judge agreed to the joint suggestion of the lawyers and granted the client an absolute discharge.
Criminal lawyer Xavier Cormier’s clients do not all receive a discharge. See notice. Entrance in the United States is never guaranteed to anyone, not even people with a discharge.
