Q: Does my aunt need to appear in court or can she just pay a fine? What are the possible penalties?
My aunt who is an illegal immigrant got pulled over for going 45 in a 35. The officer gave her a warning for speeding but gave her a slip that says she has to appear in court for driving without a driver’s license. This is her first time getting in trouble for anything. Because she is a single mother of 2 young daughters who are citizens, she is afraid of showing up to the court date and being deported or even going to city hall to ask if she can just pay a fine.
A: Before doing anything else, your aunt needs to consult with an immigration lawyer who is experienced in both criminal law and deportation law. This is a situation that could very possibly lead to serious problems for her.
A: Sounds like she has to go to court. It is unlikely that anything worse will happen; however, she may want to consult with an immigration attorney just in case.
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