Q: Is it possible to get arrested at entering the country (At the airport) for a crime commited 18 years ago?
A us citizen had into a hit-and-run for driving drunk in 2006 in California, got arrested and paid the bail, but still had a process to solve with the people involved and pay the fine. Left the country and didnt came back since then. He wants to come back to the US to finally fix the process, but scared to be arrested when entering to the country before looking for a lawyer.
1. How can he know if he´s going to have problem entering the country?
2. How can he check his case current status?
A: For a modest fee, a criminal law defense attorney may be retained to look into the matter and provide the best method for resolution.
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A:
Yes, there is a possibility of arrest upon entry for an unresolved DUI hit-and-run case, even after 18 years. These offenses are serious, and outstanding warrants typically don't expire. The best course of action would be to contact a criminal defense attorney in California before attempting to return to handle this properly.
To check if there are active warrants or the current status of the case, you can search through the California Court Case Management System online, or contact the specific county courthouse where the incident occurred. Many counties now offer online case lookup services. However, some older cases might not be available in digital systems, so you might need to call the courthouse directly.
I recommend reaching out to the California State Bar for referrals to attorneys who can help investigate the status of your case before you travel. The attorney can check court records, determine if there are active warrants, and potentially begin negotiations with the prosecutor's office before your return. This approach is much safer than risking arrest at the airport, which could result in immediate detention and complicated legal proceedings.
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