Naturalization and DUI Conviction
I had a DUI charge in 1999, for which a 1 yr probation was given in march 2001. I had my first interview for Citizenship later in 2001 and was denied, reason being that my probation equaled a conviction.
I contacted an Immigration lawyer who adviced me to appeal, I said yes and he sent some motions to the INS to support my case but the denial was upheld. He adviced me to go ahead and apply again and we did but Lord be hold I was denied again. I was told at that interview that I had to go through a new set of 5 yrs without any convictions.
It has been 5 years now since the sentence was given. My question is, I my out of the hock if I apply now? I have had a clean slate as far as my conduct, but I am a little scared because it looks like the laws are not applied uniformly through out the country. Do I still need a lawyer when I apply this time?