A Conviction Can Often Make Traveling With A DUI Very Difficult
DUI stands for driving under the influence, and is the offense of driving, operating, or being in control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely. In some countries, a DUI is considered a misdemeanor. In others, it is a serious criminal offense no matter how it was prosecuted in your country. No matter what kind of conviction you get, traveling with a DUI under your name can be very difficult and sometimes impossible.
Do All Countries Have Travel Restrictions When It Comes To A DUI Conviction?
Travel restrictions with a DUI vary across the world. Americans who have a DUI on their records are free to travel from state to state without restriction. If you are planning to travel outside of your country and you have a conviction on your record, you may have some unexpected limitations. Here are some countries and their restrictions while traveling with a DUI:
Canada DUI Travel Restirictions
Impaired driving is a felony in Canada, and they make it very hard to allow anyone with felonies into the country. The rules in Canada restrict people with a DUI from getting clearance to enter the country. Canada has two separate applications for individuals with DUI convictions in the last ten years: criminal rehabilitation or temporary resident permit.
Criminal Rehabilitation
This waiver is usually a permanent solution. If you maintain a clean history, you don’t have to apply for any subsequent entries. However, this application is only available five years after completing your sentence.
Temporary Resident Permit
This waiver is a temporary solution. If it has been fewer than five years after completing your sentence, the temporary resident permit is your only option. The exemption allows you to travel to Canada for a particular purpose.
Mexico
Traveling with a DUI to Mexico can be tricky and there is a chance you will not be able to enter if you have a conviction within the past 10 years. They consider DUIs similar to felonies.
Asia
Some Asian countries urge travel restrictions with a DUI, including Malaysia, Japan, and China. The conviction only has to be misdemeanor to deny entrance. These countries will require you to disclose any DUI conviction or arrest. Withholding information is a more severe crime than the DUI conviction.
The Middle East
Travelers with a DUI cannot enter Muslim countries, as the Islamic Law prohibits the consumption of alcohol. Permission to enter these countries may be at the care of the immigration officer. Speak with your local embassy before traveling on how to approach this situation.
Traveling With A DUI Can Be Challenging. The Law Office Of William B. Bennett, P.A. Might Be Able To Help.
The criminal defense lawyers at the law offices of William B. Bennett, P.A. will be your advocates in your DUI case, so you can rest easy on the best possible outcome. With over 20 years of experience fighting DUI cases, we know exactly how to best predict and attack a prosecution’s case against you. We may even be able to file an appeal to that could allow you to travel, esspecially if it is needed for business. Contact us here or call us at (727) 421-8000 for a free consultation with our expert DUI lawyer criminal defense legal team.
Tagged with: Appeal, Criminal Defense, DUI, Travel
Posted in: DUI