If I have an unresolved DUI and want to leave the country on vacation, will I be able to re-enter?
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If I have an unresolved DUI and want to leave the country on vacation, will I be able to re-enter?
I have an unresolved DUI case from 2 years ago because I have not been able to pay the funds. I was given a trip to Mexico and want to make sure that I will be ableto gain entry upon arriving. What do I need to do?
Asked on April 23, 2012 under Criminal Law, Washington
Answers:
Kenneth Berger / Kenneth A. Berger, Attorney at Law
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The simple answer to this question is that you need to resolve the DUI before you can safely leave and re-enter with confidence.
Each country has their own rules on crossing the border. If your "unresolved" DUI has resulted in an arrest warrant because of a failure to appear, you could be arrested at any time, in or out of state. Out of state arrests on misdemeanor warrants are not that common but they can happen.
As always, my comments are only applicable to Washington State and are not a substitute for getting competent, local, and more comprehensive, legal help.
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In most cases, if you have a open warrant, the customs officer at the airport will scan your license/passport to determine if there are any open criminal warrants. Sometimes you can be prevented from boarding and sometimes not, the same with re-entry. This is a gamble that you do not want to risk the day of your trip, so your best bet is to either contact customs to get an answer in advance of your trip, or appear in court on this matter to have the warrant set aside prior to your trip.
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