Criminal Defense Lawyers

fled us with an open criminal case

So You Fled the US with an Open Criminal Case? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting charged with a crime is scary. I totally get it. The uncertainty about your future can make anyone panic. Will you go to jail? How will this affect your family? What will your friends think? All these terrifying questions can make a person feel like running away from it all. But let me give you some real talk here – fleeing the US when you have an open criminal case is pretty much the worst thing you can do. It will make everything way harder in the long run.I know it seems tempting to just hop on a plane and disappear. But trust me, that urge comes from fear, not logic. As someone who has worked with tons of defendants in this situation, I’m here to walk you through exactly what happens when you flee the US with an open criminal case, and why coming back to face the charges is really your best move.

What Goes Down When You First Split

Unless you’re on probation or parole, nothing will happen right away when you initially take off. The police won’t come chasing after you like in the movies. Here’s how it usually plays out:

• Your court date comes up and you’re a no-show. The judge will probably put out a warrant for your arrest at that point.
• If you were out on bail, that money is now gonezo. Byeeeee bail money!
• If it’s a minor crime like a traffic ticket, the police might not hunt too hard for you. But for more serious felonies and misdemeanors, they’ll be on the lookout.
• Most importantly, you’ll likely get slapped with the additional criminal charge of “failure to appear” or “bail jumping.” Not good, my friend.

So while it feels like you dodged a bullet at first, the consequences are quietly piling up. And just wait until you get caught…

When Johnny Law Catches Up with You

You might be able to avoid the authorities for a while, but probably not forever. Here’s what goes down when you eventually get apprehended:

• You’ll be immediately detained, no ifs, ands or buts. You’ll likely spend the rest of your trial in jail rather than out on bail.
• Remember that brand new failure to appear/bail jumping charge? That’s its own crime now, bub. You’ll face additional penalties for that on top of the original charges. We’re talking fines or even more jail time.
• The judge will be way less likely to give you any leniency on the original charges. Skipping town is basically like begging for the harshest punishment possible.
• If you’re convicted, any jail time for bail jumping gets added on consecutively (back-to-back) after the other sentences. So your total time behind bars balloons big time.
• Having a bail jumping conviction on your record also screws you over if you get in legal trouble again down the road. You’ll be seen as a major flight risk.

So I know it seems like no biggie at first, but fleeing the country when you have an open criminal case can seriously ruin your life down the line. Those consequences stack up fast!

Your Best Move Is to Come Back and Face the Music

I’m not gonna lie to you – getting arrested sucks. The uncertainty about your future is terrifying. But bolting is not the answer and will only make things way messier. Here’s what I recommend you do instead:

1. Hire a Lawyer

The first call you need to make is to an experienced criminal defense attorney. Find someone who has specifically dealt with cases like yours before. A good lawyer can help make sure your rights are protected and get you the best possible outcome.

2. Work with Your Lawyer to Review the Case

Your attorney will pull your file, look at the charges, and figure out what kind of plea deal or sentencing you might be able to get. They’ll also check for any speedy trial or statute of limitations arguments that could potentially get the case dismissed.

3. Voluntarily Return to the US

In coordination with your lawyer, come back to the US to get the warrant lifted and go through the criminal proceedings. It shows maturity, responsibility and respect for the justice system. All of that can help reduce your punishment.

4. Get the Best Resolution You Can

With your lawyer’s assistance, work out the most favorable plea agreement or trial result possible. It’s still an uphill battle, but way better than being a fugitive!I won’t pretend it’s easy to come back and face criminal charges. But evading them indefinitely is nearly impossible and only makes things harder in the end. Having an experienced lawyer help you navigate the system is critical.While it may not seem like it, the justice system actually wants to encourage people to voluntarily return to court. Work closely with your attorney to make sure you get credit for doing the mature thing and coming back to take responsibility. That can potentially help reduce the penalties you ultimately face.Yes, the case will still be on your record. But an acquittal or conviction with minimal punishment is a heck of a lot better than being a wanted fugitive with additional failure to appear charges! With the right legal strategy, you can move on with your life rather than always looking over your shoulder.I hope this overview helped explain what really happens when you flee the US with an open criminal case. I know it’s a scary situation, but avoiding it forever just isn’t realistic. Lean on your lawyer to bravely face the charges and get the best resolution possible. You got this!