quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
Between attorney, rent, food and transportation I am north of $100k. So when she stated the fine it seemed like nothing. At least I will be getting the $40k in bail back

Thanks for posting this Dave- it is eye-opening and a reminder of justice in a foreign country.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:
As attractive as foreign travel may be, you don't need to go far outside our borders to have threats to your freedom.

That's not limited to countries that are obvious enemies or considered dangerous.

Great to hear that some amount of sanity finally prevailed, even if it was at great cost.

So where are you planning your next vacation?

Going to be sticking to CONUS for the near future.

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But, it makes me wonder how many people per year get the same treatment.

There is another American here just starting is defense for the same thing. A young man from Michigan, last name Guzman. His pregnant girlfriend heard it could be unsafe here and urged him to bring his gun. He called and inquired about bringing his pistol, was told he was ok if he had a permit. They just didn't emphasize that it had to be a Turks permit. Declared pistol upon boarding a Delta flight and was arrested when he landed. I tried reaching out to him yesterday through his lawyer to see if he wanted to talk but haven't heard yet. I figured he might get some comfort from someone who just went through it. He has the same Judge as my case so he should be good but how long and and what cost? I can't help but feel sorry for this kid because I know exactly what he is about to experience.

Welcome home, Dave!

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
Yes. The Judge started at $10k and reduced it to 6800 due to expediency and then to 5700 due to good character. That is not even close to the true cost of this mistake. Between attorney, rent, food and transportation I am north of $100k. So when she stated the fine it seemed like nothing. At least I will be getting the $40k in bail back I'm surprisingly not that upset at the moment about the money. I am excited to be going home.

That's $2,273 a round baby, cheaper than the million dollar a round Lawrence Fishburn The Bowery King quoted John Wick...

have to agree it's incredulous that they held you up for that long without getting it resolved, hotels, meals, flights, seems like with the Attorney they should have been able to sit down and settle the fine out quickly.

So what's the first thing you want to do when you get home....

Wow, so glad you are clear of that mess! Welcome home!

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So what's the first thing you want to do when you get home....

Hug and kiss my dogs.

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That's $2,273 a round baby, cheaper than the million dollar a round Lawrence Fishburn The Bowery King quoted John Wick...

I introduced my sister to John Wick while she was down here with us. We joked about that very thing last night

Great news Dave glad you are back. I can’t fathom the ordeal you went through! 100k wow, I couldn’t take a hit like that I would be rotting in their jail for sure. Thoughts go to the other US citizen wondering if he will be able to take a hit like that?

Wow, the money part really does suck but I guess you can’t put a price on freedom and being back home. Welcome back!

That's great news Dave!! Welcome back when you arrive.

Dave, please let us know when you land on American soil once you have the opportunity. We'll all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

quote:

Originally posted by Leemur:
Wow, the money part really does suck but I guess you can’t put a price on freedom and being back home. Welcome back!

Yep. Welcome back!
Everyone reading this thread has learned a valuable lesson. You probably saved someone here as much as you spent. For that, thank you.

Welcome home Dave. Get some rest.

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
I introduced my sister to John Wick while she was down here with us. We joked about that very thing last night

Glad you're through this ordeal and somehow maintained a sense of humor.

Great news, glad to hear you're outta there.

Are you here yet?

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Originally posted by stoic-one:

quote:

Originally posted by dave7378:
I introduced my sister to John Wick while she was down here with us. We joked about that very thing last night

Glad you're through this ordeal and somehow maintained a sense of humor.

No choice. I could either laugh or cry and I chose laughter. It has gotten me through a lot of stress.

Made it through security with no issues. Flight boards at 2:58. Lands at 7:10 in JFK. I’m gonna get on my knees and kiss the ground, well probably not, that floor is nasty

Congratulations on the success, Dave, after all that hassle. Sorry you had to go through it but glad you’re heading home a free man.