If you received a DUI conviction, you are still eligible to get a passport. Your conviction can cause certain travel restrictions to be put into place. These restrictions can limit your ability to freely travel from country to country.
For those charged with a DUI in Los Angeles that have concerns about getting a passport, it pays to consult with an attorney. By meeting with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer, you can share any concerns you have about requesting a passport with a DUI conviction. Your attorney can even help you get a DUI charge dismissed or reduced.
A Closer Look at the Travel Restrictions You Can Face Due to a DUI Conviction
In most instances, a misdemeanor or felony DUI conviction will have little to no effect on your ability to travel around the world. Yet, there can be restrictions placed on your international travel that relate to your DUI conviction. These restrictions can include:
- International travel is prohibited as a condition of your parole or probation.
- The court determines you are a high flight risk.
- You have a federal arrest on your criminal record.
- You are facing a serious felony charge.
Certain countries have their own travel restrictions for people convicted of a DUI as well. For example, Canadian officials prohibit access into the country based on a DUI conviction. If you plan to visit Canada, it is paramount to review the country’s rules and regulations relative to international travelers in advance.
A Los Angeles DUI attorney can serve as a valuable resource if you intend to travel globally as well. The attorney can answer common questions about DUI convictions. Also, the lawyer can help you contest a DUI charge before it leads to a conviction.
What to Expect if You Want a Passport But Have Been Convicted of a Felony DUI
There are several reasons why a person may be unable to obtain a passport. These include:
- An individual has been convicted of drug trafficking.
- An individual is in arrears on has incurred loans as a prisoner abroad.
- An individual is serving time in prison.
A felony DUI conviction typically will not stop a person from obtaining a passport. However, federal agencies can prevent a passport from being issued to someone who is declared incompetent, is in arrears on a federal loan, or in arrears over $5,000 in child support. They can also decline a passport request from a minor that does not receive consent from a legal guardian.
In instances where people are dealing with a felony DUI charge in Los Angeles, it is paramount to partner with an experienced lawyer. You can work with an LA DUI attorney to craft a legal strategy to dispute your charge. If your charge is cleared, you should have no trouble getting a passport upon request.
How to Request a Passport if You Are Dealing with a DUI Charge
You can apply for or renew a passport through the U.S. Department of State. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you should get the required documents ahead of time. You can then submit your application and track the status of your passport request.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Los Angeles, you can apply for a passport without restriction. The process of applying for a passport is identical for those with and without DUI convictions. In addition, you can complete the same process to renew your passport as you would if you were not charged or convicted of a DUI.
When it comes to DUI charges in Los Angeles, it is always a good idea to err on the side of caution. You can work with a LA DUI lawyer to dispute your charge. The best DUI attorney in Los Angeles may be able to negotiate a plea agreement to get your charge lowered or removed.
Why You Should Dispute a DUI Charge Before You Apply for a Passport
A DUI charge in Los Angeles will not go away on its own. If you do not address or fight the charge, you will ultimately be convicted. If you are found guilty of a DUI, you can have your driver’s license suspended and receive fines and jail time.
With help from a Los Angeles DUI attorney, you can contest a DUI charge before you submit a passport application. Your attorney allocates the time, energy, and resources required to understand the charge against you. Next, your lawyer develops a personalized legal strategy so you are well-equipped to move past your charge.
In the best-case scenario, your LA DUI lawyer will help you compel a prosecutor to drop your DUI charge. There can be times when an LA DUI attorney encourages their client to approve a plea bargain. By accepting a plea agreement, you can quickly resolve your case before you apply for a passport.
What to Consider When You Evaluate a DUI Charge Plea Bargain in Los Angeles
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles may propose a plea bargain in which you accept a minor penalty for your DUI violation. The plea bargain allows you to settle the charge against you without going to court. It can help you ensure that you can travel freely anywhere in the world, too.
The prosecutor in your DUI case will review any plea bargain you offer. Ideally, the prosecutor will find the plea agreement lines up with their expectations. If this happens, the prosecutor will approve the agreement, and your case is closed.
You and your attorney may work through several iterations of a plea agreement before you submit it to the prosecutor in your DUI case. Ultimately, you should not propose or approve a DUI case plea agreement unless it meets your requirements. If you believe it is in your best interests to offer or accept a plea agreement, you should not hesitate to do so.
Get Legal Help to Contest a Los Angeles DUI Charge
An experienced DUI attorney in Los Angeles can help you dispute a DUI charge and make sure it will not disrupt your ability to get a passport. To speak with a DUI lawyer for free, please contact us online or call us.
