syn said:
The US will recognize an Absolute Discharge. They see a conditional discharge as a conviction.
Do you have a source for that? It is contrary to my understanding.
My understanding is that what is actually key at the US border is an admission or finding of guilt to a criminal act, or actually, just admitting to the "essential elements" of a crime. There was a case of a guy who admitted to having used and carried drugs in the past being permanently inadmissible to the US since he had admitted--to the border guard--the essential elements of a crime. Since in order to get an absolute discharge you have to admit guilt that puts you in hot water at the border.
Whether or not a discharge (or any conviction) is a problem at the border depends on what it is for. You can still enter the US even if convicted of most minor crimes, but for example ANY conviction for ANY drug crime makes you inadmissible.
I don't know how the US views a sex crime at the border, you might be able to enter with a minor one on your record, or maybe not--consult a lawyer.
The other question is whether a "diversion" results in a discharge or in the charges being dropped, and whether your admission of guilt is registered anywhere that a US border guard would be able to see it, the way they can see a discharge in their computer.
If they can't see it, and you don't tell them about it, then I guess you're OK.
If there is a waiting period before the record is sealed it would also be very wise NOT to cross the US border until the record has been sealed. Once they have a copy of the record they will hold on to it forever in their US computer system, even if Canada deletes or seals the Canadian copy.