Are you planning to travel but have a warrant out for your arrest? Have you purchased your plane tickets wondering whether or not you’ll be eligible to even board the flight? If a warrant has been issued for your arrest, it’s best to manage it as quickly as you can, this is especially true if you have an upcoming vacation.
This can be a complex circumstance, and for this reason, we here at Batting, Wyman provide a team of seasoned criminal defence lawyers in Calgary to help you along the way. Keep reading to learn more.
Travelling Nationally
More often than not, domestic flights within Canada should not present any problems or issues. When you check-in either online or even at the airport counter, airlines don’t mechanically check-in their directories to uncover any warrants that may or may not be issued for passengers.
Even while going through security, your information is not checked to find out if any outstanding warrants exist. That said, our office has had clients who have been arrested at the airport on serious charges that have gone to warrant.
Travelling Internationally
Unlike domestic flights, the security processes for worldwide travel do check directories and databases. Based on your destination as well as the airline you’re flying with, it’s probable that your warrant will be found, which of course, will lead to the police being called.
If you are flying to America, for example, you typically go through customs while remaining in Canada. As such, they will view your passport, and as a result, your warrant(s) will more than likely show up. If a warrant is issued for your arrest, you can expect to be detained and then passed over to the police.
For worldwide air travel outside of America, you typically go through customs when you enter the terminus of your destination. If a warrant is issued for your arrest in Canada, you will be denied entry to your desired location. Unless your offences and very severe, it is very improbable you will be detained at your destination.
Usually, the country in question will hold you at the airport; forcing you back to Canada on the next available flight. And based on the charges, the police may or may not notify the police back in Canada of your return due to the warrant.
What You Should Do: Deal With the Warrant
The best thing you can do if you want to travel but have an outstanding warrant, is take care of it. Very few things in life fix themselves. If you ignore your warrant and never attempt to clear your name, it will hang over you until you do. For this reason, if you are ready to get your warrant out of your life, for good, but feel as if you need some assistance – contact us today for additional information.
At Batting, Wyman, we are a team of expert lawyers and seasoned professionals with the knowledge and experience to help you put your life back together. Get in touch with us now to learn more.
Blog posts from Batting, Wyman Barristers are for general information only. The content should not be considered legal advice. If you are in need of professional legal advice, please Book a free 30-minute consultation.
