Understanding where you can travel after a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can be complicated. While drivers with a DUI can generally travel freely through their own countries, crossing a national border can sometimes prove difficult.
You may be wondering if you can cross the Mexican border if you have a DUI. The United States and Mexico have different regulations for out-of-the-country DUI drivers. Review these regulations here with the Simmrin Law Group.
Entering the U.S. with a DUI
The U.S. has numerous guidelines regarding individuals who may or may not be allowed to enter the country at the border. You may be refused entry into the country if you are convicted of:
- A crime of moral turpitude (CMT)
- A crime involving a controlled substance
- At least two crimes that led to incarceration of five years or more
Additionally, if you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol it could allow the U.S. to refuse you admission into the country.
You should be aware that a single DUI conviction will not generally qualify as an inadmissible offense. However, you could be turned aside at the border if:
- You were convicted of several DUIs
- You committed a DUI with a child in the vehicle
- You committed a DUI with a previously suspended license
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 928-9347
Entering Mexico with a DUI
It is more difficult to enter Mexico with a DUI conviction than it is to enter the U.S. According to Mexico’s legal statues, you can be denied entry into the country if you violated a domestic law in your home country. This includes laws on drunk driving.
This means that you cannot legally cross the border into Mexico with a DUI conviction on your record. Border agents will look 10 years into your record if you try to cross the border. Any DUIs within this time period will count against you.
Traveling with DUI Convictions
As you can see, a DUI conviction can increase the difficulty of traveling to new locations. This can be a major challenge if you need to travel for work, to a friend’s wedding, or just to enjoy a vacation in a scenic locale.
Fortunately, you may be able to handle this situation by getting help with DUI charges as soon as you are arrested. You can work with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles if you are accused of a DUI in California.
A professional DUI lawyer can investigate your case and work to build a strong defense for you quickly after an arrest. Your lawyer could be able to:
- Get your charges reduced
- Get your charges dismissed
- Secure you a not guilty verdict in court
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Building Defenses for DUI Charges
There are a number of strong defenses that can be used if you are charged with a DUI in California. Depending upon your situation, a professional DUI lawyer could demonstrate that:
- You were stopped without reasonable cause
- You were operating a vehicle with a legally acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC)
- Your chemical tests were mis-administered by law enforcement officers
You can improve your odds of successfully handling a DUI charge by getting help quickly. It is highly recommended that you do not discuss your DUI charges with anyone before you’ve spoken to a legal professional.
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Handling Prior DUI Convictions in California
Perhaps it is too late for you to fight a DUI charge. You may already have been convicted. Even in this circumstance, you have legal options. A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles could be able to help you file for an expungement of your DUI conviction.
An expungement removes the records of your DUI from some criminal background checks. The DUI can stay on your driving record, but it may no longer impact your ability to enter Mexico following an expungement.
Note that expungements are not possible in all cases. However, if you paid any fines, carried out your license suspension, served time behind bars, and completed any other penalties handed down by the court for a DUI conviction, a lawyer could be able to help you.
Getting Help from a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer
Protect your ability to travel freely between different countries by working with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. You can count on the team at the Simmrin Law Group to help you handle a current DUI charge. We can also assist you with securing an expungement of previous DUI convictions.
You may not be able to cross the Mexican border if you have a DUI. Take steps to resolve this issue in the courtroom by calling us at (310) 997-4688 or filling out our online contact form to get a FREE case evaluation.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form