McLean, VA asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Immigration Law for Virginia

Q: Hi, Will my 2 misdemeanors present a problem with me vacationing in Mexico?

Hi,

I am an American Citizen that plead guilty to 2 misdemeanor charges in August of 2014:

DWI, 1ST , Misdemeanor

DRUGS: POSSESS SCH I OR II, Misdemeanor

I completed a 6 week rehab program and since then have not even received a parking ticket. I have no other prior criminal record, these are the only two issues on my record aside from speeding tickets.

My wife, son, and I have booked tickets for a vacation to Cancun and are looking forward to it. My questions are these:

1. Will my 2 misdemeanors present a problem with me vacationing in Mexico?

2. What are measures I can take now in order to alleviate any potential problems?

3. What specifically should I say to the immigration officer when going to immigration at Cancun airport?

4. Do you foresee me getting detained and separated from my family?

5. What should I do if I am detained and separated from my family? I do not speak spanish.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Mexico generally allows U.S. tourists to enter without a criminal background check for short visits, but it is within the discretion of the border agents to allow or disallow entry. To minimize issues, make sure you have all required documentation in order, including a valid U.S. passport. If you are detained, ask for the U.S. Consulate to be contacted and seek legal advice; it would be advisable to have a list of English-speaking lawyers in Cancun prepared in advance.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.