I've been living in the U.S. since I was 6 years old and have a few things on my record that have made me not want to apply for citizenship for the past few years. I'm finding that because I grew up here and have some minor offenses on my record that it is making it much harder for me to apply for citizenship. Most of things on my record were dumb kid things that I did while in high school and college and my last offense was more than 8 years ago.
The things I am concerned about are:
Criminal Record:
• Type: Violation - Disorderly Conduct | 10/15/2005 | Plead Guilty- Ordered to pay fine of $250
• Type: Violation - Theft by Unauthorized Taking | 03/09/2003 | Fine Suspended ($300) –
- This Violation was because a friend of mine took a cardboard construction sign and was seen getting into my vehicle with it. The fine was suspended and the charge was to pay for the value of the sign which was about $250.
Driving Record:
• Underage Administrative Per Se | 6/21/2004 | License Suspended 6 Months
• Reckless Operation | 06/21/2004| Fine $250, License Suspended 60 Days
• A few speeding violations prior to 2004 that were not on my official record. I cannot remember the specific violation or date.
Juvenile Record:
• Disobeying a Police Officer | 7/20/2000 | Sandown, NH | Charges Dismissed
My questions are will any of these offenses affect my application? Are any of these bad enough that I need a lawyer? Also, the only documentation I have is my official certified state criminal record and state driving record. Do I need to hunt down the police reports and other documentation from the courts that these incidents took place in, or is this enough?
I'm in the process of buying a home and really can't afford a lawyer right now so I'm hoping you all can help!
Thank you!!!

