Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Ever hear of the Department of Homeland Security, which was formed after the 9/11 attack? Ever since that terrible day, one of DHS's primary functions has been making sure the wrong people don't get on airplanes... for obvious reasons. That includes screening passengers' criminal records.

Yes, it's likely you will have problems. Although Illinois probably won't extradite you on a minor charge like this, there is no guarantee you won't be arrested and held until they make the decision.

If you have a job that requires travel to London, it's absolutely foolish that you haven't taken care of such a rinky-dink criminal matter that has the potential to screw up your life.

If this was a California case, you could probably hire a lawyer to appear on your behalf, without ever having to go to court. Check with an attorney in the Illinois county where you were cited; you may be able to make similar arrangements and handle the matter without leaving California.

There's nothing like being a fugitive to turn a normal day at the airport into a spy thriller movie. That man reading a newspaper wearing sunglasses -- did he just look at me? The answer to your questions is, you never know. Probably you won't be denied a passport, but you never know. Probably you can depart the US by showing your passport, but you never know. Almost certainly you would not be arrested entering the country at LAX, but you never know -- and it would be foolhardy for you to re-enter the US via Chicago O'Hare.

You won't have any problems, you'll just be arrested and transported to court in cuffs after you try to check in at the airport, or if you come in contact with any law enforcement or ICE agents anywhere.