If I got a DUI and then moved to another state, can I handle the case from here without having to go back to court?
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If I got a DUI and then moved to another state, can I handle the case from here without having to go back to court?
I got a DUI in illinois nearly 4 years ago. I never made it passed the pretrial stage. I became homeless and have sense moved to Iowa where I now have a full-time job, a fiancee and children. I still have an active warrant for my arrest but I want to know if I can legally handle this case with the help of an attorney without having to go back or turn myself in. Could I could transfer it to here somehow? If I turn myself in I would likely lose my job and wouldn’t be able to provide for my family.
Asked on August 5, 2019 under Criminal Law, Iowa
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 4 years ago | Contributor
No, the case cannot be transferred because Iowa has no jurisdiction (power) over a crime (DUI) committed in another state. It needs to be dealt with in the other state. As for whether it can be dealt with by a lawyer without you--that is very unlikely. DUI is treated seriously by the courts, and even if a lawyer can negotiate some plea and punishment you can live with, you would certainly have to appear to accept the plea in court--and if there is any incareration or imprisonment, even very brief (e.g. a weekend), you'd have to serve it in the state were the DUI occured. Retain a DUI attorney in the state and county where the offense occured to advise as your options and represent you.
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