My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan


I am a 30 year old woman living in South Asia and I have a legal problem which may bar me from obtaining a US Tourist Visa.

In 1996 I was charged with shoplifting in Michigan. I had just turned 18 years old and I took an item worth less than 100 dollars. I was fingerprinted, but was told not to worry as my crime would not be kept on record, if I met all the requirements.

I went to the court and the judge said, as it was my first crime, I would need to do community service and pay 100 dollars. However, the problem was that my family and I moved back to my home country, and ultimately I was unable to carry out the community service and also did not pay the 100 dollars. I am repentant, but do not know what to do.

Since 1996, I have moved back to my home country (in South Asia), graduated from university and have been working at an international organization for 5 years.

I would like to apply for a US tourist visa, but am afraid I may be refused because of my prior shoplifting charge. I would like to know the best procedure in applying for the Visa.

1. Will I be refused a USA Tourist visa because of a criminal record as minor as shoplifting 12 years ago?

2. I do not have much information of the shoplifting charge, as I cannot remember any of the details. I never received any letters from the court afterwards, likely because I had left the country.

4. May I go ahead and apply for the Tourist Visa to America and tick NO, for criminal convictions. Is this very risky?

5. If I am issued a tourist visa, is there a possibility I would be stopped at passport control once I arrive in America?

6. My current employment may even require me to be posted to America and I would be issued a G4 visa, how will the shoplifting charge effect me?

I am very worried of the consequences to follow. I would like to resolve this as best as possible and I don't want things to spiral from bad to worse.

I look forward to your advice.

Thank you.