Q: citation after an accident the day before i moved to Canada. I found out that I need to appear in court. options?
the day before I moved to canada I got in a car accident in which resulted in a citation. this week I found out that my appearance was requested in court. currently I am not able to leave Canada until the end of the year. what options do I have to get this matter resolved via long distance? and how much should I be worried that I will have to travel to the US? lastly i would pay the fine but they haven't given me an amount to pay.
A:
You can quickly resolve it by paying the fine (which may include restitution). However, if you would rather contest it, an attorney can go to court for you and resolve it without you having to come back. An attorney would be able to get the police report and figure out different options of how to resolve your matter, which may include dismissing certain charges, amending the charges, reducing the fine, or even taking it to trial.
If you enter the U.S. without having resolved it, it may have an effect on reentry. Because it's just a traffic matter, they may let you enter to take care of it. There is a possibility that it may bar you from reentry. If there is a warrant, that could mean other trouble like detention. It's best to take care of it before coming back.
Peter N. Munsing and James J. Lee agree with this answer
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