Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida

outstanding warrant

I hope you can help me or forward this message to the correct person.

I am a Canadian who in March of 1993 was arrested in Pinellas County for a misdemeanor. I was unable to attend court as I had to return to Canada. I am not sure what the statute of limitations is on a shoplifting charge but I have been unable to enter the U.S. as there is still a warrant outstanding. I need to have this expunged for travel and employment reasons. Could you please advise me on how to proceed. I have never been in trouble with the law before or since and request your assistance to clear my name for this one mistake.

Thank you


Asked on 10/28/08, 8:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Aaron Slavin Slavin Law Firm, LLC

Re: outstanding warrant

You might consider trying to hire an attorney in Pinellas County to see if the Court would accept a "Plea in Absentia," which is basically a plea that you can enter on a misdemeanor case, through the mail, by signing some forms and sending in a copy of your fingerprints. Unfortunately, if you failed to appear for court, and left the country, the statute of limitations issue may not help you. Sometimes the court will not accept a PIA if there is an outstanding warrent. A lot could depend on what the actual "misdemeanor" crime was. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact my law office, which is right across the street from the Pinellas County criminal courthouse.

For more information, please visit: www.slavinlawfirm.com

Read more
Answered on 10/29/08, 10:21 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Florida