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Airhog
  6/3/2016 15:41 EST

Forgive the long missive, but I must digress to get to my question.
I'll soon be 62. I grew up farming in California until my father died when I was 19 and mom had to sell the farm to get out of debt.
I then went to college but discovered a need for remodel construction, so placed an ad offering to do carpentry. I soon had a growing business and quit school to go full-time. I married and raised a family. As an aside, we purchased blighted properties, fixed them up as quality rentals, improving neighborhood quality of life.
During this time I endeavored to become an airline pilot, receiving my airline transport certificate in 1990 and flew for a major US carrier until 2001.
In 2006 I sold my properties and started a company developing a technology which uses catalytic thermal hydro cracking to convert a wide range of organic waste streams (municipal and industrial) into diesel fuel. The company is now going through SEC due diligence to be listed on a public exchange in the next year. Understand that I invested my life savings to start the company, such was my commitment. An IPO value will probably be in the $10-$20 million range.
This year, the last of my children will leave the nest to attend law school, leaving us empty nesters, save our Labrador retriever.
My wife will retire from her job of 25 years in the next year or two..

We purchased a lot on Roatan several years ago, thinking we would retire there or perhaps split our time there and elsewhere, but have changed our minds do to the influx of high-income types, ruining the quaintness of the island.
Meanwhile I made a serious blunder, by stepping into a political snare which may cost all that I have worked for.
We live in Nevade and occasionally enjoy target shooting on the desert. A few days ago my wife and I decided to go out to sight-in a couple of rifles that had new optics. While on the desert, my 83 year old widowed mother called and asked if we could come and fix a sudden plumbing leak at her home in Callifornia, about 3 hours drive. So we diverted to her house, did the repair and spent the night.
Next evening we returned home, but were stopped by California police, literally 100 feet from the NV border for driving 5mph over the posted limit. We were harassed and searched, revealing the rifles, which are a type that is illegal in California, but perfectly legal in 48 other states. I must now face arraignment on felony counts with possible prison time.
You may take a dim view of guns, but understand that we are not gun nuts and keep them primarily as a symbol of our support of 2nd amendment rights and heritage.
Yes, stupid mistake, but no nefarious or diabolical intent. Still current politics being what they are, the state will prosecute. The specter of prison near the end of a productive, law-abiding life is literally nauseating. Upon reflection, I am unwilling to spend even a single day in jail having committed no crime and after living a productive, law-abiding life.
My wife and I are considering the possibility of leaving everything and seeking refuge for what remains of our lives. If we flee, there will certainly be no going back.
My question is if there is any way that we might legally immigrate to Ecuador or other Latin country? There are currently no warrants but I expect that there will be if I fail to appear.

Our resources are very limited, since we have invested nearly everything into this start-up company.. We will have about $100k plus my wife's modest pension and some social security.
I could farm or build or..?
I am in reasonably good health and could work for another decade or more.

Does anyone know if a long-term visa can be had under these circumstances?

moodyblue8363
  6/3/2016 19:41 EST

You've been charged but not yet convicted of any crime. There's no reason you can't hop a plane for Ecuador.

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moodyblue8363
  6/3/2016 19:49 EST

Also with a good enough Attorney I wouldn't think there would be any jail time. Talk to an Attorney before up and leaving everything behind you.

withoutego
  6/3/2016 20:23 EST

Reads like the pitch for a movie.

I left a couple of nice guns in AR where my dad died in a VA hospital because I would be transiting NY and MA on my return to ME. Nice guns he made himself. So I am not an anti gun person....but as you said you were numb crossing the CA line with the weapons.

You come right out and say you want to skip the US. Bad move. I have met a couple of fugitives in Ecuador. They have a tough existence even with money. One fled an unfair divorce settlement. He is OK as long as Ecuador and the US are in a pissing contest. If Ecuador ever needed to patch things up with the USA part of the deal might be extradition of a dozen specific gringos.

But also, you've tipped your hand by talking about this in public. Yes, this is as public as the mall. It would not even be spying on a citizen - this is a public forum. Somebody connecting the dots could finger you.

If you collected your cash you'd have a problem taking it out of the USA. Expats have trouble moving assets to Ecuador in order to buy property. Entering Ecuador with 100K might raise eyebrows too.

If you miss a court date and a warrant is issued, I believe you'd be committing another crime just by trying to fly out.

But, most of my legal training came from watching re-runs of Perry Mason. Get a real lawyer.

Lots of people show up on a tourist 90 day visa and just stay, years and years. You said you would NOT do time. Better scoot quick if that's an absolute.

Simple answer, No. Ecuador isn't going to solve the problem - just create additional troubles. Spend that money on an attorney and fight the charge, bargain, do what you have to.

The only thing I shoot anymore is the laser in the bore-site for doing what indirectly got you busted, sighting in the scope on the 22 Ruger carbine. Its not PC to shoot tin cans anymore, they're an endangered specie I guess.

If you want agreement that the country is going to Hell, I agree.

Hell is a place right? It gets capitalized, like Sacramento?

good luck !

sinego

DDR
  6/3/2016 20:51 EST

You should get a lawyer.Free initial consultations.See if you can plea to
non felony charge or defer prosecution.That would seem likely with no prior felonies.Don't panic.
You might have to grease some palms though.

windshadow
  6/3/2016 22:53 EST

Have you ever heard of a crime called "interstate flight to avoid prosecution!" It sounds like this would apply and be the worse thing you could do.
Take it to court, present your case, and if you are not already a convicted felon you will probably walk. The laws were designed with a specific target group in mind and if what you say is true, you are not part of that group. Probably get dismissed.
What do you think Susan?

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cristos7
  6/4/2016 03:30 EST

Ding ding ding! Flash flash flash! So you are either a spook or a fool or ... well, that's about it. Hire a GOOD attorney to handle things, go on a holiday, then return home when arrangements have been made (or not.) CA's got MORE than enuff people in prison (and MORE WOMEN than any other COUNTRY), but they are really just wantin' some $$$ unless you got Federal 'debts' to pay...

cristos7
  6/4/2016 03:35 EST

Actually sinego, it sounds more like a treatment at this point!;~<> In the event the OP is for real, BE CALM & GET A GOOD ATTORNEY & keep your mouth - online and otherwise - SHUT...

Airhog
  6/4/2016 17:54 EST

Reply to All who posted:
Many thanks for taking time,
And yes I'm a 62 year-old dummass.
I did get a lawyer who claims no jail time. Still angry at myself and a bit scared. Angry at the system too. I'm a rural guy who got complacent, Hopefully will get around this thing with more grey hair and valuable lesson learned.
Best regards to all..

OceanHideaway
  6/4/2016 21:38 EST

The police report and the FBI report that he is in the system ...that is the purpose of those reports.

You will want to have that cleaned up before coming to a new country.

If what you claimed is correct, you will probably get some form of probation for a year, if you have a good attorney and your record is as clean as you claim.

If that is the case and if you still want to move to Ecuador...then plan to visit and see if we are "quaint" enough for you.

If so, contact a very good visa facilitator with plenty of experience in working with the Powers That Be in explaining away these things that happen to Americans ...and hopefully you will be able to get a retirement visa.

As for having "only" $100,000 to live on... well, you can go very far on rice and beans and ...basic protein.

RandyD
  6/5/2016 09:42 EST

I guess you're not very committed to your $10M to $20M business you worked so hard to create. Aren't there partners and employees who count on you to be sane?

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withoutego
  6/5/2016 19:43 EST

I can see it now, in the dim light of a vision of the future. You, me, C7 and half a dozen of the regulars in front of Charlie's in VB. We're drinking beer or whatever and talking about how awful fate can be. We try to out do one another with stories of how dumb we were in the past. Those of us who don't have stories will make up stuff. It wont matter. The universe doesn't give a sheet about us.

Its amazing....I am nearly half way thru this year's northern stay !! Time goes by quick when you're seventy.

ssssneeeego

cccmedia
  6/6/2016 03:37 EST

Yes, like so many said, use -- or keep using -- an attorney, Airhog.

“We were harassed and searched,” you said in your original post:

Your attorney should advise you as to whether that search was legal... and, if questionable, that issue can be used as leverage in your behalf.

There is a Constitutional prohibition against unlawful search and seizure where no probable cause exists. Driving five miles over a speed limit is normally not, by itself, considered probable cause in the U.S.

Did the police ask your permission for the search?

Did you give them permission to search your trunk or wherever the guns were discovered?

Did probable cause (other than alleged speeding) exist?

cccmedia in Quito

Airhog
  6/6/2016 16:01 EST

Dear All,
Again, would like to thank all who took the trouble to reply, even those who slapped me on the head for being an idiot.
Some measure of common sense may prevail in this, still have a few weeks of suspense to find out. But I've opted to face the music. Quality of life will not be good unless I confront this. Paraguay has no mountains so it's not an option anyway. Can't live without mountains. Lawyer says don't worry, but I'm too old and seen too much treachery in this life to relax.
Looking forward to touring C.A., spend a couple months in each country, then go home and decide if, where and how we'd retire.
Jumped the gun buying property on Roatan 10 years ago so won't make that mistake again. And if there's not 7% or more value appreciation, why burden oneself with ownership, given the associated burden and complications..
Best regards to all.
JH

abr127
  6/7/2016 13:48 EST

Ok
Lets take a deep breath! Now if your story is EXACTLY as you say.
Then you have a few bucks so why not contact the NRA. Ask them for a Lawyer familiar with this type of case and pay him to fight this in court. This is America the last time I checked. Fight it in court!
Do not even try to Run Away!
Wish you the best

windshadow
  6/7/2016 15:50 EST

abr127,
Great idea!

MoodyBlue
  6/7/2016 20:14 EST

Yes indeed on an attorney affiliated with the NRA! Great thought abr127. They would love to handle and hopefully have your case DROPPED!

EcuadorDean
  6/8/2016 09:33 EST

We don't need any gun nuts here in Ecuador, go live in the wilderness somewhere in the USA....

Grasshopper
  6/8/2016 11:20 EST

Well, Airhog - you have gotten a good deal of sane advice on here.

I'd be interested to hear how your case plays out. But, no man... don't freak out and flee - you'd spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder.

It is really a sticky wicket driving state to state with firearms of any type... the laws change so much.

Ok, for instance in NC you don't need a permit to own a handgun, but you need a concealed carry permit if you have it out of sight.

Otherwise, you can stroll down the sidewalk with Dirty Harry strapped to your side - as long as it's visible.

Cars are different. In NC, you have to have the thing laying on the dash or the seat in plain sight.
But in SC, you have to lock it in your dash.
So, since Charlotte is on the state line and I have family across the line, I have always had remember to stick it in the dash when I cross into SC, then drag the damn thing out and lay it on my seat when I come back into NC... what is legal in one spot is breaking a law in the other - it's stupid.

That aggravation is compounded when you cross multiple state lines. I drove to South Dakota a couple of years ago and I had to look up the laws of each state and make a damn list.

Put it on the seat... put it in the trunk... lock it in a box... have no ammo near it and on and on.

I wouldn't have even dragged one out there, but my nephew was stationed at the air force base and I went to visit ...he challenged me to some range competition, because he thought he'd finally gotten good enough to beat me..lol

damn if he didn't, too. damnit,

Anyway, good luck with your case.

Sinegoatarms... hey man, I can picture your vision too. I am looking forward to sitting with you and Windy and C7. ...maybe even Kmorty too if he would ride down.
I think the stories would be worth writing down even. ..both the straight up and the embellished - but you know as well as I do, the truth is usually stranger than fiction for a lot of us - (MAN it really is!)

Hopperintheheat

Grasshopper
  6/8/2016 11:26 EST

....leave it to Dean to drop a deuce on something.

I'm no gun nut - I just love the science of ballistics and the skills one can hone with long range bench rest shooting.

I would never want EC to become the total mess the US has become.

But you called a man a gun nut that just admitted that he isn't.

Fix you lipstick, girl... it's smudged from God knows what..

Hoppinamood

ecuadorjoe
  6/8/2016 12:21 EST

EcuadorDean, Hello Sir you were sent back to Canada are you still here?? I am glad you are telling the others where to go. A little bit of sarc....Lol..

MoodyBlue
  6/8/2016 16:55 EST

Sorry to bust your bubble EcuadorDean but there are already gun nuts in Ecuador. They're called criminals.

ecuadorjoe
  6/8/2016 17:04 EST

Just check the morning news on EC. channels..

dumluk
  6/9/2016 10:43 EST

@Moodyblue.........and those aforementioned criminals generally have them, and arent afraid to use them, especially when they know or assume that their victims dont have.......which is why I would always have, whether legal or not........as an ultimate recourse.......thats the real world Dean, certainly not a perfect world...........

MoodyBlue
  6/9/2016 11:46 EST

@ dumluk, I 100% totally agree with owning a firearm or firearms. If it's going to be me or them I'm on my side despite what the consequences may be in Ecuador as for shooting someone ready to cut me up with a knife or machete.

cristos7
  6/11/2016 21:09 EST

You can open carry - or try to conceal - a machete in Ecuador. Doing so would undoubtedly put the bad guys on notice not to f*ck with you;~<> I am looking forward to tilting a few with you (Sin & Hopp) this fall/winter:)))

withoutego
  6/11/2016 22:42 EST

Yes, the machete. I have a little alarm go off in my head when I pass a teen age dude carrying a machete. It is so common, more common than the weed wacker which is the sound track of the countryside in the way car alarms are in the city.

But the machete is the only way to keep the jungle back in Vilcabamba. The way stuff grows is amazing. Gotta have a guy hacking away at it along the roads or they'd be blocked in a month. Seriously, even the fence posts sprout !

C7 - when will you be in Vilcabamba? Ask for me at Charlie's, a dive out of a cheap novel which I am currently writing.

I should reappear in early September

sinego

cristos7
  6/12/2016 04:31 EST

@ Sin - October would be ideal, but November is just as likely, with 1
or 2 pallets to receive 3 weeks after I land. Prolly set up shop
somewhere relatively quiet in Cuenca for a few months, going on
overnight recons 2x week to Vilca, Loja, Southernly Coast (bottoming
in Salinas), and Mid-Coast (topping out in Manta). I am really looking
forward to looking forward;~)))

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