Notice to new members intending to register - from January 9th 2012

MM23 · #1 10-27-2006, 12:23 PM

Just wondering if anybody could help me with a situation. A few years ago I was in the States working for the summer. I ended up getting charged with assault in New York – I’m not aure of the exact charges but think it was a Class A misdemeanor if that makes sense. I panicked and didn’t show up for court and I think that a warrant was issued after that. I’ve sort of put it out of my head but now by brother is getting married in the States and I would like to go but am worried about the warrant coming up again.

My question is if I am going to a different state would the warrant show up. If it did – what would happen – would I just get sent back or would I have to go back to court. Do they normally go after misdemeanor offences? If I did have to go back to court would that happen straight away? I would be arriving in a different state so would things happen there or would I have to go back to New York and what would happen while I was waiting?

Any info much appreciated

CarlM · #2 10-27-2006, 01:35 PM

Chances are you would get detained at your port of entry. I heard recently of a guy who was out of the country with outstanding parking fines and he had a bench warrant on him, so yes, you are subject to arrest. Your passport will be scanned when you enter, and youll be asked to go to secondary inspection, then the fun begins!.

Another point, you arent eligible to enter on the visa waiver program, so you would need to apply for a B-2 visitors visa... that, again, will trigger a heads up by the authorities.

Sorry - but i personally wouldnt risk it!

rumson · #3 12-15-2006, 06:30 AM

Do not come. You will be sent for 'secondary' inspection, there will run an NCIC check and you will be detained. If you are lucky, you will be immediately deported. More likely, you will be remanded into federal custody and charged with your original offense AND with violating federal immigration laws. You could wind up doing one or two years or more.

My advice: apply for a visa beforehand and see what happens. Then have an attorney check for the status of your warrant. Don't risk it!