This is a follow up question regarding my friend who has outstanding traffic fines in Iowa and Nebraska. He received a letter yesterday saying if he doesn't pay his fines an arrest warrant will be issued (I don't know if it was from a collection agency or what have you) He doesn't have the money to pay these fines and he actually doesn't have a license either (it was suspended because of failure to pay). The main thing I'm concerned about is that he is supposed to fly to Canada in 2 weeks to visit me....can he get arrested at the airport if there is a warrant out for his unpaid traffic tickets or can he get arrested at the airport here in Toronto when he goes through immigration. Would Canadian authorites know about this warrant?
2006-09-01 10:00:38 · 15 answers · asked by Sylvia M 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Well if he can afford to fly to Canada,he can afford to pay his tickets. You do the crime,you do the time!
2006-09-01 10:04:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most jurisdictions are not interested in throwing someone in jail for traffic fines. In most cases, if the defendant will appear before the county clerk’s office and state the situation clearly and calmly, they will normally make arrangements for payments especially if it is for nonviolent, “victimless” violations. Even if they do decide to invoke jail time, many times you can arrange for weekend service. This is where your friend would report to the county jail (or whatever incarceration facility they specify) for the weekend and is released in time after the weekend so they can continue with their work. This is practiced in several major cities.
Can they arrest him in the airport? Yes, they can. However, if he makes it as far as Canada, the Canadian authorities will not bother with extradition for such a minor issue.
2006-09-01 16:00:00 · answer #2 · answered by R_SHARP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Department of licensing sanctions such as license suspension vary from state to state. I have never heard of a warrant being issued for failing to pay fines. Usually they go to collections and you know what collection agencies will say just to get their money. The chances of him being arrested on failing to pay fines for traffic violations are about as remote as Jean Chretien getting re-elected. It's possible, but highly unlikely.
2006-09-01 12:56:39 · answer #3 · answered by aitutaki98 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If an officer does a search on him, yes, he will be arrested. Canadian officers won;t necessarily know, but as soon as a police officer sees him and gets his name (or has his face), he's going to jail. If you're so concerned, get him to turn himself in and face the punishment before coming up.
2006-09-01 10:04:48 · answer #4 · answered by USAUSAUDA 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They might know and guessing not would be risky. Has he tried contacting the states where he owes money and see if they will enter into a slow-payment contract with him where he gradually pays off the fines to clear his record?
2006-09-01 10:05:25 · answer #5 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flying to Canada? We don't want him! He will probably not go home again and start his law breaking again up here. Tell him to save his money, pay his fines and stay home.
2006-09-01 10:08:39 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some places will let you make payments depending on the fine and your financial status. But you have to call the court's clerk and ask.
If they don't then your "friend" has to borrow the money elsewhere.
2006-09-01 10:05:20 · answer #7 · answered by Matt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He must go and see a judge and work out some kind of payment plan or face incarceration.
2006-09-04 06:17:58 · answer #8 · answered by Kawik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes he could be but it is doubtful they would pay to make him go to there. He should have worked out a payment plan with them when he appeared in court
2006-09-01 13:58:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where did he get the money for the plane ticket? I certainly hope they arrest him.
2006-09-01 10:10:28 · answer #10 · answered by JOHN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋