I got a DUI in Washington, and did not appear in court. What should I do?
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I got a DUI in Washington, and did not appear in court. What should I do?
I am Canadian. I got a DUI in Washington, got out of jail on bail, and did not appear in court. I returned to Canada. Can the police arrest me if I try going back into the U.S. or just the state of Washington?
Asked on April 12, 2009 under Criminal Law, Washington
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
It depends on the extradition laws. Know you have a warrant for your arrest now. Further, being on the "run" in many states can be construed as its own crime, separate and apart from the underlying offense.
Yes, the police (if they run your history and find the warrant) can arrest you. The system most law enforcement is connected to other agencies from other states. Why didn't you appear? I would think it better and more responsible of you to immediately contact a criminal defense attorney in the U.S. (State of Washington) and get this sorted out. Try the Washington State Bar, the county bar associations in the county in which you were arrested, and/or www.attorneypages.com.
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