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Misdemeanor Drug Charge and International Travel

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  • 11-21-2007, 09:58 PM
    rt014015
    Misdemeanor Drug Charge and International Travel
    About 5 years ago I was in Tennessee at a pretty well known music festival and was made an example of. There were people all around selling illegal items and I was arrested for having them.:wallbang: I had only a small amount of marijuana and a pipe. I dont even know if the formal charge included both, I think it might have just been the possession charge. Anyway, I was never taken to jail but given a court date to appear back to TN for a hearing.

    Of course I was a rebel back then (A little older and wiser than that time) but I when I received the ticket they had an incorrect first name but the correct social security number on the papers saying I could pay either 3300.00 or go to court. So I just said screw it, I wouldn’t go back to TN for 7 years until the statute of limitations! I was a poor college kid with no help from my parents, so there was nothing I could do.

    Now 5 years later I am working a steady job in which I travel heavily. I have no problems even in TN getting on and off airplanes and have never been stopped in that area by police (knock on wood). But the radar for international travel is really picking up and it looks like it is going to happen very soon. My first visit will be to British Columbia for a client for a week of work, my second could be the UK, Dubai, Australia amongst others.

    I am worried when I return back to the US on this first trip to Canada in January, I am not hauled off to jail in front of all my business partners. I had a criminal background check when I started with this company as well and it was mentioned but written off as a stupid college kid move.

    What are my chances of this occurring when I go to Canada? What about other states? What is the statute of limitations on this type of misdemeanor charge?
  • 11-21-2007, 10:14 PM
    aaron
    Re: Misdimeanor Drug Charge and International Travel
    You were charged, so the statute of limitations isn't running. (It stops running when charges are filed and, in most states, if you spend extended periods of time outside of the state.)

    Consider hiring a lawyer in the county where the charge is pending, to see if you can work out a favorable plea bargain to resolve the charge. It's an old, relatively minor offense, so you may be able to get a good deal.
  • 11-21-2007, 10:14 PM
    rt014015
    Re: Misdimeanor Drug Charge and International Travel
    I forgot to mention. I will be flying into and out of Portland. I live in Colorado.
  • 11-21-2007, 10:17 PM
    rt014015
    Re: Misdimeanor Drug Charge and International Travel
    ANd I dont really know if I was charged. I was never taken to jail at all, just given a parking ticket looking thing with a date.
  • 11-23-2007, 12:14 AM
    rt014015
    Re: Misdimeanor Drug Charge and International Travel
    Quote:

    Quoting aaron
    View Post
    You were charged, so the statute of limitations isn't running. (It stops running when charges are filed and, in most states, if you spend extended periods of time outside of the state.)

    Consider hiring a lawyer in the county where the charge is pending, to see if you can work out a favorable plea bargain to resolve the charge. It's an old, relatively minor offense, so you may be able to get a good deal.

    So what about the other part. Do you think they will arrest me coming across the state line in US Customs?
  • 11-23-2007, 07:22 AM
    aaron
    Re: Misdimeanor Drug Charge and International Travel
    I doubt it, but I can't make any promises. Some people get detained at the border.
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