What will be the effect ifI don’t facecharges filed against me and leave the country?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What will be the effect ifI don’t facecharges filed against me and leave the country?
I had a fight with my roommate; then she complained to the police. Both of us got bruises and went to doctor but she is the one who file a case against me. Since I’m due for vacation I made a decision to go back to my country and decided not to come back because I’m afraid what effect this might have on my Canadian visa application. What should I do?
Asked on January 18, 2011 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you fail to appear in court to answer the charge, a bench warrant for your arrest will be issued. At that point you will be subject to arrest. Considering the charge, you wouldn't be extradited from the country where you are now. However, the Canadian authorities will in all likelihood turn your criminal history (the offense and outstanding warrant).
At this point, you should hire a criminal law attorney in CA and discuss your situation directly with them. If you haven't already missed your court date - don't. But if you have, once again consult with a defense lawyer in the local area where all of this occurred. Until you do not only will your Canadian visa application be affected, but you'll never be able to return to the US (at least not without being arrested). The fact is that if this is your first-offense, you may be able to get a special probation which could leave you with no jail time and, more importantly, no criminal record.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.