Statute of Limitations on Federal Drug crimes?

[RubeGoldberg]

I have been avoiding the united states since 1999 because of a series of arrests in the U.S and inquiries made by my country's police into my involvement in a smuggling case. No charges were ever laid in my country and as far as i understand none in the U.S, however it was pretty apparent i'd be redflagged upon entry, questioned by the DEA and likely arrested.




My question is, since lots of time has passed since the alleged incident, could i in theory visit the united states without fear of arrest? (statute of limitations is 5 years for federal level drug crimes)

I realize i may be barred entry, but what im more concerned with is that they may be able to still charge me years after the fact?

anybody have any insight?

 

[tony clifton]

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[seeyouaunty]

Do you have dual citizenship? A different name + different passport wouldn't hurt. Honestly tho bro, unless you're 100% certain its a huge risk to be taking.

I've got a family member who commited a fairly serious crime (not murder) in NZ years ago, and rather than go to court he took off to Europe and lived there instead as he has dual citizenship. He came back to NZ a few times on his European passport instead of his NZ passport and never had any problems. He found out how long an arrest warrent stays on file and it was 7 years or something like that. As it had been over 10 years he decided he would move back to NZ. He had no problems getting into the country on his NZ passport but 3 weeks later one of the cops involved in his case recognised him walking around and nabbed him. Just a cautionary tale for ya.

 

[RubeGoldberg]

NZ statute of limitations is probably a lot different than the U.S mind you, seems commonwealth countries don't usually have them.


That said though, If I throw a couple hundred bucks at a lawyer who handles the cases of Canada/U.S smugglers in U.S court, they ought to be able to check if there are existing warrants and advise on the best course of action right?

 

[BettaBudda]

I have a friend that is going through a similar situation. I believe his attorney told him the statute of limitations is 10 years.

 

[krunchbubble]

I have a friend that is going through a similar situation. I believe his attorney told him the statute of limitations is 10 years.

that's what my lawyer told me as well 10 years......