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Can Felons Get Passports

You think you can get a passport with a felony conviction. You’re wrong about that – especially if it involves international drug trafficking. Federal law specifically denies passports to anyone convicted of drug trafficking who used a passport or crossed an international border, during the offense. This isn’t, a maybe – it’s mandatory denial under 22 U.S. Code § 2714. At Spodek Law Group—we get it. Our premier federal criminal defense attorneys have handled thousands of these tough cases, including representing high-profile clients like Anna Delvey (the Netflix special you probably watched). Todd Spodek – a second-generation attorney – has over 50 years of combined experience with our rock star team.

What Felonies Disqualify You From Getting a Passport

Most people in your situation don’t understand federal law. You’re probably thinking your conviction won’t affect your passport application. Here’s the truth: certain crimes result in automatic passport denial – and there’s nothing you can do about it without Spodek Law Group helping you. Our top rated attorneys know exactly which convictions trigger denial:

• International Drug Trafficking: If you crossed a border or used a passport while committing drug offenses, you’re facing permanent denial during imprisonment or supervised release. The average sentence is 82 months
• Federal Drug Convictions: Any violation of the Controlled Substances Act that involved crossing borders—automatic denial
• Money Laundering Related to Drug Trafficking: Bank Secrecy Act violations connected to drug crimes – passport denied
• Child Support Arrears: Owing $2,500+ means no passport, period
• Federal Tax Debt: $50,000 or more in delinquent taxes blocks your application

You don’t have time to figure this out yourself. Every hour you wait, the federal prosecutors – and the DOJ – are building their case against you. Our nationwide law firm – coast to coast – handles these cases 24/7. We’re not like other law firms who are more focused on their relationship with prosecutors. We focus on winning cases – and getting the best possible outcome for our clients.

Your Passport Application Will Be Denied – Unless You Act Now

When someone faces federal charges, you need immediate help. The State Department doesn’t care about your travel plans or your family overseas. They follow federal regulations that mandate denial for drug trafficking convictions. HeWeargued these cases successfully because we understand the system. Our attorneys, know how to fight, and win.

Here’s what you’re facing without proper representation:

• Automatic passport revocation if you already have one
• 5-10 year waiting periods after completing your sentence
• Permanent denial for certain drug trafficking offenses
• Your name on federal watch lists preventing travel
• Inability to leave the country – even for emergencies

Unlike mills that take every single client, we only work with clients who we can truly help. That’s why we have over 50 years of combined experience and have been featured on NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and other major media outlets. Todd Spodek represented Anna Delvey (also known as Anna Sorokin) – and Netflix made a special about it. We get it – we understand what you’re going through.

The Federal Conviction Process: What Actually Happens to Your Passport

Most importantly, you need to understand the process. When a defendant faces drug charges, you’re immediately flagged in the system. Federal agencies share information, and your passport application goes straight to denial. The passport office doesn’t give second chances – they follow strict federal guidelines that leave no room for exceptions.

Our top rated criminal defense attorneys see this constantly. Clients come to us after trying to handle it themselves, after getting denied, after realizing they needed the best possible legal representation from the start. Regardless of how complicated your case is, or how challenging it is – we can help you get the outcome you need and want. We’re available 24/7 because federal charges don’t wait for business hours.

Defense Strategies That Actually Work — From Attorneys Who Get It

If you think you can navigate federal passport laws alone, you’re making a critical mistake. Our premier federal criminal defense lawyers have developed specific strategies for passport-related issues in federal cases. We don’t just file paperwork—we create comprehensive defense strategies that address both your criminal case and your future travel rights. Our white-glove service means we handle every aspect of your case, from challenging the underlying charges to negotiating alternatives that preserve your passport eligibility. Unlike other firms that treat passport issues as an afterthought, we understand that international travel rights are crucial for many clients’ livelihoods and family obligations. That’s why our nationwide team—coast to coast—focuses on strategies that protect both your freedom and your future travel capabilities.

The key is acting before conviction. Once you’re convicted of qualifying offenses, especially those involving international drug trafficking or using a passport in commission of a crime, the denial becomes automatic and extremely difficult to reverse. Our attorneys know how to structure plea agreements that avoid passport disqualification provisions, negotiate for charges that don’t trigger automatic denial, and when necessary, mount aggressive trial defenses to prevent conviction entirely. This requires deep knowledge of both federal criminal law and State Department regulations—expertise that comes from handling thousands of tough cases over 50 years of combined experience. Many attorneys send us clients because they know they can trust us with these complex federal matters.

For clients already facing passport denial, we employ sophisticated post-conviction strategies. This might include filing motions to modify sentences, pursuing appeals based on ineffective assistance of counsel regarding passport consequences, or negotiating with federal prosecutors for amended judgments. We’ve successfully helped clients regain passport eligibility through creative legal solutions that other firms wouldn’t even attempt. Regardless of where your case is in the USA, or the situation you’re dealing with, or the stage of the case, we can help you. That’s not just talk—it’s backed by results for clients facing the toughest federal charges.

The Application Process: Why Most Felons Get Denied

You’re required to disclose your criminal history on passport applications. Lying is a federal crime – punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Federal authorities are cracking down harder than ever, with mandatory minimum sentences increasing yearly. The passport office runs your information through NCIC databases, checking for warrants, convictions, and supervised release status.

Here’s what happens when a felon applies for a passport:

1. Background Check Initiated: Your application triggers immediate federal database searches
2. Criminal History Review: Every conviction, arrest, and charge is examined
3. Automatic Flags: Drug trafficking convictions result in immediate denial
4. Manual Review: Complex cases go to specialized units for determination
5. Denial Letter: You receive formal notification with limited appeal rights

Unfortunately, most felons try to handle this themselves. They don’t realize that passport denial creates permanent records that make future applications even harder. Our top rated attorneys – with offices throughout New York state and nationwide – know how to navigate this process. We make sure our clients avoid common mistakes that result in denial and potential new charges for false statements.

Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Your Travel Future

The truth nobody tells you: federal sentencing guidelines in 2024 specifically consider international aspects of crimes. If your offense involved crossing borders, using false documents, or international transactions, you’re facing enhanced penalties AND permanent passport denial. Judges don’t have discretion here – the law mandates denial during any period of supervised release for qualifying drug offenses.

So, what do you do, if you get hit – with one of these things? You need attorneys who understand both criminal defense and immigration consequences. Todd Spodek – a second-generation attorney whose work resulted in the Netflix special about Anna Delvey – leads our team of premier federal defense lawyers. We’ve handled some of the toughest cases nationwide, coast to coast, with over 50 years of combined experience.

Countries That Won’t Let You In – Even With a Valid Passport

Getting a passport is only half the battle. Many countries deny entry to convicted felons, regardless of passport status. Canada, for example, considers any felony conviction grounds for inadmissibility. Australia requires character waivers. The United Kingdom conducts extensive background checks. Your dream vacation or business trip? It’s probably not happening without expert legal intervention.

Our premier law firm handles these international travel issues daily. We work with immigration attorneys worldwide to secure waivers, rehabilitations, and special permissions for our clients. Unlike mills that just process cases, we provide white-glove service that addresses every aspect of your situation. That means fighting your charges, protecting your passport eligibility, AND ensuring you can actually travel where you need to go.

The Clock Is Ticking – Your Future Depends on Acting Now

Every day you wait is another day closer to losing your passport rights forever. Federal prosecutors work fast—and they don’t care about your travel plans, your family abroad, or your business needs. They have one goal: conviction. And with a 95%+ conviction rate, they usually get it.

At Spodek Law Group, we’re different. We’re not your average criminal defense law firm – we get it. Our attorneys are available 24/7 because we know federal charges don’t follow business hours. We’ve been featured on NY Post, Newsweek, Fox 5, Business Insider, and other major media outlets because we win tough cases. Todd Spodek’s representation of Anna Delvey led to a Netflix special—that’s the level of expertise you’re getting.