Can you travel with a pending felony?
Asked by: Wallace Ernser | Last update: October 22, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (52 votes)
The court may impose travel restrictions on you, requiring you to remain within the jurisdiction where the case is pending. You may need to obtain permission from the court to travel out of state, even for a short period.
Will I pass a background check with a pending felony?
For example, California allows the inclusion of all pending charges in background checks. While the state forbids reporting of arrests not resulting in convictions, it doesn't prohibit the reporting of currently pending criminal charges.
Can you leave the country if you have pending criminal charges?
There is nothing that prevents someone from leaving the country with pending criminal charges unless the judge has ordered them to turn over their passport.
Can you travel with pending criminal charges in Canada?
While the accused is legally required to attend for fingerprints and court (or have their lawyer do so on their behalf), most people do not have restrictions preventing them from leaving the country. This does not mean other countries, such as the USA, will allow entry with charges pending.
Can you get a passport with a pending felony?
As part of the passport application process, you will be asked to answer questions about outstanding legal issues, including outstanding warrants. The Department of State can refuse a passport application if a person has: An outstanding warrant for a federal felony. An outstanding state or local warrant for a felony.
Can I Travel While My Case Is Pending? Felony or Misdemeanor Charges
Can you go to Canada with a pending felony?
There is no presumption of innocence at the border, so a traveler who is under indictment for felony charges or dealing with a pending case can also be turned away.
Can you fly with a felony charge?
Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).
Do pending charges appear on a background check Canada?
The short answer is: Yes, pending charges can show up on a background check in Canada, but the specifics depend on the type of check and the local laws.
Can I travel while my case is pending?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers leaving the country while your application is still under review as abandoning it, resulting in immediate denial.
What countries don't do background checks?
- #1: Mexico. Adobe Stock/lunamarina. Residency in Mexico is fast and easy. ...
- #2: Chile. Adobe Stock/Loïc Bourgeois. ...
- #3: Colombia. Adobe Stock/Braeden. ...
- #4: Italy. Adobe Stock/Jag_cz. ...
- #5: Peru. Adobe Stock/sharptoyou.
Can a pending felony be dropped?
A felony charge may be dropped before trial if new evidence comes to light proving innocence or casting reasonable doubt. It may also occur if the prosecutor decides the case is too weak to lead to a conviction.
Why would a passport be denied at the airport?
Some reasons to deny a passport include: A valid, unsealed federal warrant of arrest. A federal or state criminal court order. A condition of parole or probation forbidding departure from the United States (or the jurisdiction of the court)
What crimes disqualify you from global entry?
- Felony Convictions. ...
- Drug-Related Offenses. ...
- Crimes Involving Fraud or Deception. ...
- Theft and Property Crimes. ...
- Domestic Violence and Assault. ...
- DUI and DWI Convictions. ...
- Sex Offenses. ...
- Immigration Violations.
Do pending felony charges show?
In Arkansas, any pending felony charges will show up in a background check, but misdemeanor charges will not. California, on the other hand, allows all pending charges to be included in a background check, and employers can even opt to be notified should those pending charges result in conviction.
Is it hard to get a job with a pending felony charge?
California law permits the inclusion of all pending criminal charges in a background check, so even if you have not been convicted, the mere presence of charges against you might influence an employer's decision.
How long does it take for a felony to get off your background?
In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.
Can you travel out of the country with a pending felony?
Courts often order the person to obtain specific permission if they want to leave a specified area, and in most cases will not allow any travel abroad prior to the resolution of the case. In more serious cases, a person's passport will be seized by the Court.
Can you travel to Canada with a pending felony?
Pending Charges Travelling to Canada with pending charges is possible, but you must present evidence that you are fighting the charges. Without this, you could be denied entry if they have reason to believe you committed a crime, even though you haven't been convicted.
Can you go on vacation with pending charges?
You must remain in the state where you have the pending felony charge until the court allows you to leave the state. Some courts require that the accused remain in the state until the conclusion of the trial and the person is found innocent, at which time they may leave the state.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in Canada?
It's a common misconception. And the question is, does your criminal record in Canada clear after seven years? Unfortunately, the answer is, it does not magically disappear.
What is the difference between a criminal charge and a conviction?
Being charged signifies the initiation of legal proceedings based on allegations of criminal behavior while being convicted indicates that the legal process has concluded with a determination of guilt.
Why would a background check be pending?
A pending background check occurs during the assessment process, typically due to missing, inaccurate, or conflicting information. A background check can also be pending, thanks to court system delays, third-party delayed responses, international checks, or a bottleneck of background checks due to the time of year.
Do airlines check for felony warrants?
Yes, you can technically fly with a bench warrant, especially on domestic flights, as the TSA does not specifically check for warrants.
What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport?
What felonies disqualify you from getting a passport: Cybercrime. Human trafficking. Federal drug charges, including trafficking, manufacturing, and selling drugs.
What can stop you from flying?
an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19. decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends') increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection) infection of your ears or sinuses.