Shoplifting And US Citizenship
Hi,
I did a first stupid offense (shoplifting) on July 2002 in a store at Texas, and was charged theft 50-500. I hired a criminal attorney and at first plea hearing on Oct, 2002 she gave me a copy of defendant's motion for continuance on which indicating Theft Intervention Program and 40 hours community service request. After that I completed T.I.P and 40 hrs C.S.R, and my offense charge was dismissed on December, 2002. I also got expungment on July, 2007. I want to apply for US citizenship but I am afraid that my application will be denied and I might get deportation. Because my country's government has signed an agreement with US goverment. This agreement allows USCIS department send back anyone who convicted a criminal crime even a minor crime such as shoplifting. Am I qualified to apply for US citizenship? If yes, should I need an immigration attorney? Please, help me.
Re: Shoplifting And US Citizenship
If it falls under the petty offense exception to crimes of moral turpitude, it shouldn't prevent naturalization.
We don't have any of the details of your case, so if you want your case evaluated in any detail you have to consult an immigration lawyer.
Re: Shoplifting And US Citizenship
Hi Mr. Knowitall,
I would like to tell you in details my case. I came US on April 4th, 1995 as refugee. On July 26, 2002 I went to Fry's electronic store in Arlington and I did a stupid thing. I stole a 69 dollars webcam and I was stopped by store security guards. Then I was arrested and charged for theft 50-500 by police in Arlington city, Texas. I was put in city jail about 6 hours, then I was released after my dad bailed me out. At that time I was being a student. I hired a criminal lawyer ,and at the first plea hearing on October, 2002 at criminal county court she talked with the district attorney, then she gave me a copy in which requested me completing 40 hours coummunity service and taking theft intervention program. After I completed the requirments and came back the court with my lawyer on December, 2002 I got the charge dismissal. I was not requested to appear before the judge. And I was not also put in the county jail ( only about 6 hours in Arlington city jail). Last year I got my green card renewal successfully on July 2007. Before that I got expungment on March, 2007. I also came to catholic charities organization to get help for applying citizenship on 2005 and the staff advised me not applying citizenship until in the end of December 2007. Now I want to apply citizenship but I am afraid that I am not qualified and I will be dported. Please advise. That offense is the the first time only.