Applying for Citizenship With a Record of Shoplifting, DUI, DWLS

**uncut97** · 11-18-2007, 05:37 AM

Few questions to Aaron who ever has accurate knowledge of internet law. id really appreciate it. i currently reside in CAlifornia so can you please answer accordingly.

q1) im about to apply for citizenship. how far back do they search criminal records for naturalization. i read somewhere in the internet around 5 years unless they have a reason to look further down?

q2) (important) i had a petty theft juvenile record in 96 when i was a minor prior to my permanent status. i got my green card in 98. is there a need to list my arrest in n-400 form or no? when i got geeencard 10 years ago no record came up for the juvenile offense.. i dont want to list a petty theft n get deported plus it was like 11-12 years ago. would this juvi record shows in their naturilzation search?

q3) i had a dui in 99 one year after my residency. now its close to 08. should i list my dui in the n-400? and send them the disposition file (misdemeaner). this one im guessin i should report to them cause i dont want to get in trouble.

q4) on the n-400 app it says dont list any traffic violation unless alcohol/drug related or over $500. do i report drivin on a suspended license or no (please check A&B below)

a) i had a driving on a suspended licence in city 1 in 99. i was on probation from the dui. i had a ticket and my car was towed (no arrests). does that make it moral turpitude?? or no? cause this is a traffic violation not arrest. plus i think the fine was under 500. also when i called the county, they dont have no record of it but only says my car was towed. would that show up in a criminal record?

b) driving on a suspended license city 2 in 2000. this time i didnt go to court. i called them up after few years. thinkin im gona have a warrant. i checked with superior court and pd and there is no record of that either. should i be worried about anything?

**aaron** · 11-18-2007, 05:44 AM

You answer all questions truthfully. You can expect them to want to know about all of your arrests, charges and convictions.

Given your history of minor offenses, I suggest that you talk to an immigration lawyer. It would be irresponsible of me to try to guess at what might happen based upon in Internet post.

**uncut97** · 11-18-2007, 05:48 AM

i was only cited for driving on a suspended license but never cited. the only time i took a "conviction" of a that was in 2000. my charge was less tan $500. on n-400 app it asks to list traffic violation only if its dui/drugs or over $500 fine. also on app it says list your "arrests" and i didnt have it for that.. plus the county pd has no record of it when i called, it just says my car was towed.

as far as my juvenile record for petty theft? can that ruin my case? even if it was prior to gettin my residence? and a minor? also. if the find something thats on your record even if its minor on you. does that mean automatically rejection of the application?

lastly is there a affordable but quality attorney service anyone know off for immigration? not sure if i need one cause they gona fill out the same stuff im gona fill out on the application.

aaron arent you a lawyer yourself?