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Jessica
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Debra, Expert
Hello and Welcome to JustAnswer. My name is***** will be working on your question today and I am looking forward to our conversation.
Debra, Expert
Please note that I am working from my computer and not actually texting. If you don’t answer back for a while I may not be online when you do but I will never desert you and will check back often. As well, as I am working from home it is possible that I will be interrupted but I will always return back as soon as I can. Finally, although the site offers a call option I personally do not take calls but just work online. Some find this confusing as it looks like the offer is coming from me but that is just how the site presents the offer and it really isn’t coming from me.
I am sorry to hear of this difficult situation.
You say you would like to get permanent residency status are you talking about in Canada or somewhere else?
Debra, Expert
I am composing the answer now.
Debra, Expert
I am a lawyer in Canada. I don't know the law in other countries.
To find out the law in these other countries you will have to ask lawyers in these countries.
You can actually post questions on the US immigration law list, the UK law list and the European law lists on this site.
But what you should know is that it is not really reasonable to decide to flee from a country and risk a warrant for your arrest. What if one day you really wish you could return.
A first DUI is not going to ruin your life. And if you retain a lawyer you may be able to plea bargain.
So don't just give up and run.
Do you see what I mean?
You should at least consult with a criminal lawyer.
Debra, Expert
Pleading guilty would be to a lesser offence. It would be a plea bargain.
As well, you would later be able to get a pardon/record suspension.
A warrant for your arrest would be worse in the end.
You start new posts and you say "this is for the US list" etc.
Debra, Expert
I still believe that you should retain a criminal lawyer and see what they suggest. At least have a consultation.
What province are you in please?
Debra, Expert
I will check back tomorrow.
Debra, Expert
No I'm not a criminal lawyer but as you can see you may be OK and won't end up with a criminal record even if you have large fines. Large fines are a civil matter and it won't affect your ability to enter Canada or get permanent residency status in Canada so you need to retain a criminal lawyer to get you out of this mess.
Debra, Expert
I don't know what the final fine could be but yes you could prove that you will suffer undue hardship and can pay the fine slowly but what you need to understand is that fine itself isn't going to harm your immigration status or your life in Canada.
Having to pay fines for tickets may mean you can't get a drivers licence or plates to own a car but it's not going to harm your status in Canada otherwise. You do not have to flee.
So long as you don't end up with a criminal record you will be fine to remain in Canada and study and even immigrate. You were jumping to conclusions that are wrong and you're going to harm yourself for no reason. So find a lawyer that you trust and you'll see that all you have to do is get out of this one charge and the rest of your life will be fine in Canada or elsewhere.
Debra, Expert
Thank you for trusting us to help you here at JustAnswer. If you would like to ask me new questions please start a new post and if you do if you say “This is only for Debra” I will be sure to give your post top priority.
Debra, Expert
Anytime.