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An arrest or conviction for DUI in Georgia can have far-reaching repercussions, including license suspension or revocation, probation, fines, state surcharges and ignition interlock device requirements.
DUI convictions may even prevent international travel; many countries impose strict entry requirements and may deny entry to individuals with criminal records such as DUI convictions.
1. Visa Denials
Are You Planning on Traveling Abroad with a DUI Charge on Your Record? Having one can seriously alter your plans when visiting other countries; many places restrict entry for people with criminal backgrounds and conduct thorough background checks to make sure you will be safe traveler.
While a Georgia DUI conviction will not interfere with domestic travel, it could hinder international travel plans. Immigration law mandates consular officers assume visa applicants intend to immigrate permanently unless they provide evidence otherwise.
DUI convictions can drastically lower your chances of getting approved for visitor’s visas or non-immigrant visas, particularly Canada and Mexico. Being accused of DUI is likely to make being admitted into those countries more challenging as well.
Canadian law prohibits you from entering if you have either a felony DUI conviction within 10 years, and Mexico restricts entry for those with serious criminal histories; however, you may be eligible for a travel waiver for both countries.
At James Yeargan Firm, we empower individuals with DUI convictions to pursue international travel goals despite facing legal obstacles. Through personalized legal guidance and unwavering support, we help overcome these challenges by understanding both local and international legal landscapes to provide unparalleled insight into effective ways of resolving these issues. Call our office now for more information about how we can assist with achieving your travel dreams; let us guide you through the complex visa application process so you can arrive at your dream destination sooner rather than later!
2. Border Restrictions
Travel restrictions can derail your plans in several ways. One such way is being denied entry to the US at the border, even after having received approval for an ESTA and receiving the appropriate visa category – though even having been preapproved by American Embassy/Consulate can still lead to refusal upon arrival by CBP officers for various reasons.
As part of an analysis of cross-border health measures, it is vital to differentiate between international and domestic movements as the stringency of any measure can differ depending on whether it targets movement between countries or within one. Implementation may also have an effect; screening vs quarantine differ in degree of restrictiveness while quarantine can become even stricter depending on duration, location or voluntary/mandatory status.
Noting the differences in travel restrictions at different levels is necessary because global and domestic arrangements often go hand-in-hand. For instance, governments may enact both restrictions for visitors from specific cities, counties or subregions while exempting daily commuters between neighboring jurisdictions (e.g. Switzerland with French border regions; workers crossing from Johor, Malaysia into Singapore via bridge).
Note that closing borders alone will not stop COVID-19’s spread; rather, efforts should also focus on reducing transmission on an individual and community level. For instance, shutting down venues in Wuhan did not stop its local spread, while cancelling concerts may have had more of an effect. Likewise, banning flights from China might lessen international spread but won’t prevent it entirely.
3. Deportation
Many countries impose stringent entry requirements and can deny admission to people with criminal backgrounds, such as DUI convictions. It’s essential that travelers understand these restrictions before embarking on international travel for business or pleasure purposes.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Georgia, an experienced lawyer may be able to get your case dismissed or reduce its severity by reviewing all evidence against you – from audio and video recordings from your arrest, incident reports filed by police officers, blood alcohol content results taken as part of testing procedures, etc. These records and data are made accessible via discovery process which forms an essential part of a defense strategy for DUI cases.
As part of your international travel plans, it’s crucial that you provide accurate and open answers about any criminal histories during the visa application or special entry permit process. Otherwise, some countries could refuse entry and/or revoke your visa altogether. A lawyer can also assist in getting you past a DUI offense by showing evidence that it was your first offense and/or you’ve undergone alcohol treatment or probation for it.
Dependent upon the country and reason for your trip, REPAT (Rapid Re-Entry Program for People with Prior Nonviolent Immigration Violations) could allow deported individuals who can demonstrate safety and stability to return. Even if REPAT approval is granted, an immigration attorney should still devise a comprehensive strategy in order to safeguard your immigration status.
James Yeargan says an Alpharetta DUI can have far-reaching repercussions that go far beyond state lines. If you’re planning international travel for work or pleasure, it is wise to consult with an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights and ensure you enjoy peace of mind during this trip.
