{"id":51343,"date":"2024-04-11T20:55:58","date_gmt":"2024-04-11T20:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/?p=51343"},"modified":"2025-09-19T04:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T04:49:31","slug":"fraudulent-use-of-citizenship-certificate-charges-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/fraudulent-use-of-citizenship-certificate-charges-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Fraudulent Use of Citizenship Certificate Laws in Canada Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);background-position: center center;background-repeat: no-repeat;border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;border-color:#e2e2e2;border-style:solid;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"max-width:calc( 1440px + 50px );margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p>Fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate is covered under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-6.html#:~:text=Fraudulent%20use%20of%20certificate%20of%20citizenship\">s. 58(1)<\/a> of the <em>Criminal Code <\/em>found in Part II. Part II covers \u201cOffences Against Public Order\u201d, such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/unlawful-assembly-charges-canada\/\">unlawful assembly<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A fraudulent use of citizenship certificate occurs when a person uses a certificate of citizenship or certificate of naturalization for fraudulent purposes. This provision is also triggered when a person knowingly parts with their validly issued citizen certificate with the intent that it should be used for fraudulent purposes. Fraudulent purposes include using the certificate to obtain privileges or services that the accused, or the individual that the accused gave their certificate to, would not otherwise be entitled to. For a broader overview of deception-related offences, see our FAQ on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/fraud-charges-canada\/\">fraud<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fraudulent use of citizenship certificate is a <a href=\"http:\/\/criminalnotebook.ca\/index.php\/List_of_Hybrid_Offences\">hybrid<\/a> offence with a <a href=\"http:\/\/criminalnotebook.ca\/index.php\/Crown_Election\">Crown election<\/a>. This means that depending on the circumstances of your case the Crown can elect to proceed by indictment or summarily. If an accused is prosecuted by indictment, there is a <a href=\"http:\/\/criminalnotebook.ca\/index.php\/Defence_Election\">Defence election<\/a> of court under <a href=\"https:\/\/canlii.ca\/t\/7vf2#sec536\">s. 536(2)<\/a> of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Some examples of a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge may include the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The accused is a non-citizen who\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/procuring-identity-documents-charges-canada\/\">purchases a citizenship certificate<\/a>\u00a0for the purposes of entering Canada;<\/li>\n<li>The accused provides a non-citizen their citizenship certificate for the purpose of assisting that individual in fraudulently appearing to be a citizen; and<\/li>\n<li>The accused obtained employment in Canada, despite being a foreign citizen, by using a certificate of citizenship that was not in their own name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Defences<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The defences available to a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge are entirely dependent on the facts of your case.<\/p>\n<p><strong>However, some defences to a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The accused was wrongly identified as the individual that used the certificate of citizenship fraudulently;<\/li>\n<li>The accused was unaware that the certificate of citizenship in their possession or use was fraudulent; and<\/li>\n<li>The accused\u2019s <em>Charter <\/em>rights were violated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Punishment<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge is a hybrid offence, which entails a maximum punishment as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Punishments for a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-6.html#:~:text=Fraudulent%20use%20of%20certificate%20of%20citizenship\">s. 58(1)<\/a> depend on if the Crown elects to pursue the charge as an indictable offence or summarily. There are no mandatory minimum penalties for this offence. The maximum is no more than 2 years of incarceration if prosecuted by indictment. If prosecuted summarily, the maximum punishment is no more than six months of incarceration and a potential fine of up to $5,000.<\/p>\n<p>A fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge can also entail severe consequences for current and future employment opportunities and immigration status.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h2>Overview of the Offence<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>According to <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-6.html#:~:text=Fraudulent%20use%20of%20certificate%20of%20citizenship\">s. 58(1)<\/a> <strong>of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-builder-row-inner fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start\" style=\"width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;max-width:calc( 100% + 50px ) !important;margin-left: calc(-50px \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-50px \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column_inner fusion-builder-nested-column-0 fusion_builder_column_inner_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column cases grey-box\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\" style=\"background-position:left top;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-size:cover;-moz-background-size:cover;-o-background-size:cover;background-size:cover;background-color:#f9f9f9;padding: 40px 50px 40px 50px;\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\" style=\"font-size:18px;line-height:1.6;letter-spacing:-0.3px;\"><p><strong>Fraudulent use of certificate of citizenship<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>58<\/strong> <strong>(1)<\/strong> Every person is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years or is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction who, while in or outside Canada<\/p>\n<p><strong>(a)<\/strong> uses a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization for a fraudulent purpose, or<\/p>\n<p><strong>(b)<\/strong> being a person to whom a certificate of citizenship or a certificate of naturalization has been granted, knowingly parts with the possession of that certificate with intent that it should be used for a fraudulent purpose<\/p>\n<p><strong>Definition of <em>certificate of citizenship<\/em> and <em>certificate of naturalization<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>(2)<\/strong> In this section, <strong><em>certificate of citizenship<\/em><\/strong> and <strong><em>certificate of naturalization<\/em><\/strong>, respectively, mean a certificate of citizenship and a certificate of naturalization as defined by <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-29\/page-1.html#h-81604:~:text=Definitions-,2%C2%A0(1)%C2%A0In%20this%20Act%2C,-certificate%20of%20citizenship\">s. 2(1)<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-29\/\"><strong><em>Citizenship Act<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-29\/page-1.html#h-81604:~:text=In%20this%20Act%2C-,certificate%20of%20citizenship,-means%20a%20certificate\"><strong>\u201cCertificate of citizenship<\/strong>\u201d<\/a> is defined as a certificate of citizenship issued or granted under the <em>Citizenship Act<\/em> or under the former Act.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-29\/page-1.html#h-81604:~:text=de%20citoyennet%C3%A9)-,certificate%20of%20naturalization,-means%20a%20certificate\"><strong>\u201cCertificate of naturalization\u201d<\/strong><\/a> is defined as a certificate of naturalization granted under any Act that was in force in Canada at any time before January 1, 1947.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 40px;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 40px !important;padding-right : 50px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 40px !important;padding-left : 50px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-nested-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-nested-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h3><strong>The Guilty Act (Actus Reus) <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The actus reus for a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge under <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-6.html#h-115997:~:text=Fraudulent%20use%20of,25%2C%20s.%208\"><strong>s. 58(1)<\/strong><\/a><strong> is established by proof, beyond a reasonable doubt, of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The accused uses a citizenship certificate for a fraudulent purpose; or<\/li>\n<li>The accused provides another person with the certificate of citizenship which had been granted to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Guilty Mind (Mens Rea)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>The mens rea for a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge under <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-6.html#h-115997:~:text=Fraudulent%20use%20of,25%2C%20s.%208\"><strong>s. 58(1)<\/strong><\/a><strong> include proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The accused intentionally uses a citizenship certificate fraudulently; or<\/li>\n<li>The accused knowingly parts with their certificate of citizenship with an intent for it to be used fraudulently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h2><strong>Defences<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>How to Beat a Fraudulent Use of Citizenship Certificate Charge<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Every case is different. The availability and strength of any defence depend entirely on the specific facts of your case. The strength of any available defence rests on the evidence against you and the precise details of the allegations. However, the following are some common defences that may be used for a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Factual Innocence<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The strongest defence against a fraudulent use of citizenship charge under s. 58(1) of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em> is to maintain that you are factually innocent. If you can show that the facts and the evidence do not support that you fraudulently used a citizenship certificate, then you may have a defence that you were factually innocent.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Identity<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Depending on the circumstances of your case, a possible defence to a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge may be to raise an identity defence. In this case, for this defence to be raised successfully, you will have to prove that you were not the person who fraudulently used the citizenship certificate. The identity defence could also be raised where you were not the person who provided an individual with your citizenship certificate.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>No Requisite Intent<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The accused may be able to argue that they did not know that the certificate of citizenship was fraudulent. If the accused has a reasonable mistaken belief that the certificate of citizenship was valid, they may be found to have not committed the offence. This defence may arise when an accused has been convinced by another that a certificate of citizenship was valid, when it was not.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Any applicable <em>Charter <\/em>defences<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The <em>Charter <\/em>sets out your rights and freedoms before and after your arrest. If the police fail to abide by these rights deliberately or inadvertently, it could aid in your defence. If any of your <em>Charter <\/em>rights have been violated before or after your arrest, you may be able to have some or all of the evidence that the Crown is relying on to secure a conviction excluded under s. 24(2) of the <em>Charter<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>In <em>R. v. Hamasaki<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/on\/onsc\/doc\/2020\/2020onsc2579\/2020onsc2579.html?autocompleteStr=Hamasa&amp;autocompletePos=1&amp;resultId=3ae47196f3ac40068462279c1482eb99&amp;searchId=2024-02-27T21:21:58:024\/07e4823238154b40976105623a54aa83\">2020 ONSC 2579<\/a>, a woman was charged with multiple offences, including fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate. On her arrest, the accused wished to call her immigration lawyer, and the arresting officer told her that she may want to choose a lawyer \u201cmore versed in criminal law\u201d. The accused took his advice and spoke to duty counsel instead. Her police statement following her discussion with duty counsel was ultimately excluded from evidence, on the basis that her <em>Charter<\/em> rights were unjustly infringed.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h2><strong>Punishments<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The <em>Criminal Code <\/em>provides for <strong>a possible maximum term of imprisonment of no more than 2 years for those convicted of a fraudulent use of citizenship certificate charge. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Persons found guilty of fraudulently using a citizenship certificate are eligible for sentencing entailing a discharge, suspended sentence, stand-alone fine, custody, custody with a fine or probation or a conditional sentence order.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Beyond any immediate jail and\/or probation sentence you receive, there is also a discretionary DNA Order.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is authorized as a secondary offence listed under <a href=\"http:\/\/criminalnotebook.ca\/index.php\/DNA_Orders\">s. 487.04 (c), (d) or (e)<\/a>, and the DNA order can be authorized regardless of if the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions <\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-51343-1 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-51343-1 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-51343-1 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-51343-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-51343-1\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-b350ac5d58e46fee6 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-b350ac5d58e46fee6 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-b350ac5d58e46fee6 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"b350ac5d58e46fee6\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51343-1\" data-target=\"#b350ac5d58e46fee6\" href=\"#b350ac5d58e46fee6\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Is fraudulent use of citizenship certificate an indictable offence?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"b350ac5d58e46fee6\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>Fraudulent use of citizenship certificate is a hybrid offence. This means that the Crown prosecutor can choose to prosecute someone charged with fraudulent use of citizenship certificate either summarily or by indictment. If the Crown chooses to prosecute an accused by indictment, then if the accused is found guilty, they will be charged with an indictable offence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-f3c75dec850f06158 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-f3c75dec850f06158 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-f3c75dec850f06158 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"f3c75dec850f06158\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51343-1\" data-target=\"#f3c75dec850f06158\" href=\"#f3c75dec850f06158\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Can you go to jail for fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"f3c75dec850f06158\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>If you fraudulently use a citizenship certificate under section <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/c-46\/page-6.html#h-115997:~:text=Fraudulent%20use%20of,25%2C%20s.%208\">58(1)<\/a> of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>, \u00a0you can go to jail. If the Crown proceeds by indictment, a fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate charge carries a maximum sentence of no more than two years in jail. If the Crown proceeds summarily, the maximum jail sentence is six months. Therefore, there is a possibility that you can go to jail for a fraudulent use of citizenship charge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-eb36bbd274c0ca5e4 .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-1 .panel-eb36bbd274c0ca5e4 .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-eb36bbd274c0ca5e4 fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"eb36bbd274c0ca5e4\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51343-1\" data-target=\"#eb36bbd274c0ca5e4\" href=\"#eb36bbd274c0ca5e4\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">What is the maximum penalty for fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"eb36bbd274c0ca5e4\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The maximum penalty for fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate will vary depending on whether the Crown proceeds summarily or by indictment. If the Crown proceeds by indictment, a fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate charge carries a maximum sentence of no more than 2 years in jail. If prosecuted summarily, the maximum punishment is no more than 6 months of incarceration and a potential fine of up to $5,000.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><h2><strong>Published Decisions <\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">#accordion-51343-2 .fusion-panel:hover, #accordion-51343-2 .fusion-panel.hover{ background-color: #f5f5f5 } #accordion-51343-2 .fusion-panel { border-color:#f5f5f5; border-width:0px; background-color:#f5f5f5; }.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 16px; width: 16px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2.fusion-toggle-icon-right .fusion-toggle-heading{ margin-right: 34px;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-title a{font-size:24px;color:#c22127;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:700;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .toggle-content{font-size:17px;color:#000000;font-family:\"Lexend\";font-weight:300;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-title a:not(.active):hover, #accordion-51343-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127;}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2.fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed .fusion-panel .panel-title a:not(.active):hover .fa-fusion-box{ color: #c22127 !important;}<\/style><div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\"><div class=\"panel-group fusion-toggle-icon-right fusion-toggle-icon-unboxed\" id=\"accordion-51343-2\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-e79f2d1366734c95c .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-e79f2d1366734c95c .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-e79f2d1366734c95c fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e79f2d1366734c95c\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51343-2\" data-target=\"#e79f2d1366734c95c\" href=\"#e79f2d1366734c95c\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Regina v. Stojadnivoic Regina v. Stanojevich, 1967 1 O.R. 388 (ONCA)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"e79f2d1366734c95c\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The two accused persons both utilized their certificates of citizenships to transport other individuals into the United States.<\/p>\n<p>The Court found that the use by an accused person of a certificate of citizenship for the purpose of facilitating the illegal entry of another into the United States of America is not the use of the certificate &#8220;for a fraudulent purpose&#8221; within the meaning of the <em>Criminal Code<\/em>. The Court found that this is the case because the fraudulent purpose alleged can only be carried out at the United States border. The Court further noted that any other interpretation would give the provision an unintended extra-territorial effect.<\/p>\n<p>The convictions were subsequently set aside, and both accused were acquitted. This case resulted in the provision being changed to include \u201cwhile inside or out of Canada\u201d, to capture incidents similar to the accused\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/on\/onca\/doc\/1966\/1966canlii211\/1966canlii211.html?autocompleteStr=stanojevich&amp;autocompletePos=1&amp;resultId=ab71e0c9367949f1a935ab5abdbca626&amp;searchId=2024-02-27T21:23:12:707\/2dc333aaba9d4b84b874ab4efed37eca\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-6542fb84f01736dea .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-6542fb84f01736dea .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-6542fb84f01736dea fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"6542fb84f01736dea\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51343-2\" data-target=\"#6542fb84f01736dea\" href=\"#6542fb84f01736dea\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">Benjamin v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2004 CanLII 56707 (CA IRB)<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"6542fb84f01736dea\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>A man was deported from Canada after being charged with fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate and appealed the deportation to the immigration and refugee board. The Appellant was a citizen of Jamaica who had purchased a fraudulent citizenship certificate for a substantial sum of money. When the Appellant applied for a passport with his fraudulent citizenship certificate, immigration officials determined the certificate was fraudulent.<\/p>\n<p>The Applicant was charged with fraudulent use of citizenship certificate, as well as uttering a false passport. He was sentenced to 10 days imprisonment on each charge and was deported from Canada.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/ca\/irb\/doc\/2004\/2004canlii56707\/2004canlii56707.html?autocompleteStr=Benjamin%20v.%20Canada&amp;autocompletePos=14&amp;resultId=67dc8d27cd9a45979d2339bbf008dac2&amp;searchId=2024-02-27T21:25:06:504\/0d22b1d75bab4b57936bc6654ac1a126\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-5dcebd12ee52d22ba .panel-title a{}.fusion-accordian  #accordion-51343-2 .panel-5dcebd12ee52d22ba .toggle-content{}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default panel-5dcebd12ee52d22ba fusion-toggle-no-divider fusion-toggle-boxed-mode\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><h4 class=\"panel-title toggle\"><a aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"5dcebd12ee52d22ba\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordion-51343-2\" data-target=\"#5dcebd12ee52d22ba\" href=\"#5dcebd12ee52d22ba\"><span class=\"fusion-toggle-icon-wrapper\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><i class=\"fa-fusion-box active-icon awb-icon-plus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><i class=\"fa-fusion-box inactive-icon awb-icon-minus\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"fusion-toggle-heading\">R v. Hamasaki, 2020 ONSC 2579<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div><div id=\"5dcebd12ee52d22ba\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse \"><div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<p>The accused was arrested and charged with multiple offences, including fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate. The accused was arrested by the RCMP for criminal offences alleging the making of a false statement to obtain a Canadian passport. On her arrest, the accused wished to call her immigration lawyer, and the arresting officer told her that she may want to choose a lawyer \u201cmore versed in criminal law\u201d. The accused took his advice and spoke to duty counsel, providing a police statement of nearly 90 minutes. The question before the Court was whether it was a mere suggestion for the accused to speak with duty counsel, or if her right to consult counsel of her own choosing had been interfered with.<\/p>\n<p>Her police statement following her discussion with duty counsel was ultimately excluded from evidence, on the basis that her <em>Charter<\/em> rights were unjustly infringed.<\/p>\n<p>You can read the full decision <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canlii.org\/en\/on\/onsc\/doc\/2020\/2020onsc2579\/2020onsc2579.html?autocompleteStr=Hamasa&amp;autocompletePos=1&amp;resultId=3ae47196f3ac40068462279c1482eb99&amp;searchId=2024-02-27T21:21:58:024\/07e4823238154b40976105623a54aa83\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 30px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 25px;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 25px;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 25px;margin-left : 25px;}}<\/style><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate is a serious crime in Canada. Using, possessing, or presenting a forged or stolen certificate can lead to criminal charges and immigration consequences. Learn your rights and speak with our criminal defence lawyers if you&#8217;re facing allegations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":52215,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[148],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51343","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fraud"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Fraudulent Use of Citizenship Certificate Laws in Canada Explained | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/faq\/fraudulent-use-of-citizenship-certificate-charges-canada\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fraudulent Use of Citizenship Certificate Laws in Canada Explained | Strategic Criminal Defence FAQ\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Fraudulent use of a citizenship certificate is a serious crime in Canada. 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My professional experience consists of countless court appearances and thousands of successful defences and satisfied clients. In my legal career, I have appeared at all levels of court in Alberta, including at the Supreme Court of Canada. 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Oykhman is a senior lawyer and founder of Strategic Criminal Defence, a full-service criminal law firm with central law offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Toronto, and Victoria. 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