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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    2

    Question Will a Misdemeanor Back in 1990 Hurt My Naturalization Application

    Hi, back in 1990 when I was young and stupid I listened to a friend's briliant idea to make some much need money.

    Result: I was arrested and charged for Grand Theft 487 PC Misdemeanor (California). I pleaded no contest and received Imposition of Sentence Suspended, Summery Probation for 36 months and Restitution.

    In 1992 I completed the probation sucessfully and made all the restitution so the case was closed.

    In Jan, 1997 I was granted expungement (1203.4/123.4A) and have not had any problems with the law since.

    I became a Permanent Resident in March, 2001. I fully disclosed my 1990 arrest and disposition in my Permanent Resident Application.

    The 1990 offence was my one and only criminal offence and I am wondering if I have anything to worry about if I file for Naturalization?

    I did a lot of reading online and they all seems to say that for Theft Offences, if the sentencing was for less then on year then it should not be a bar to Naturalization and since I was never sentenced I should be ok.

    I am trying to decide whether to get legal asistance in filing for Naturalization or to just file it myself if my 1990 offence is not going to be a problem for me.

    Thanks in advance for any advice.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Will a Misdemeanor Back in 1990 Hurt My Naturalization Application

    Generally speaking, no, your misdemeanor should not be a hindrance to your naturalization.

    As a matter of personal preference, I would advise obtaining the assistance of an attorney for any matter of immigration, even if only to doublecheck your documents. The paperwork involved is voluminous, and it's too easy to make a mistake.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Will a Misdemeanor Back in 1990 Hurt My Naturalization Application

    Quote Quoting LawResearcherMissy
    View Post
    Generally speaking, no, your misdemeanor should not be a hindrance to your naturalization.

    As a matter of personal preference, I would advise obtaining the assistance of an attorney for any matter of immigration, even if only to doublecheck your documents. The paperwork involved is voluminous, and it's too easy to make a mistake.
    Thanks for the advice.

    I have already spoken to the gentleman who handled my Green Card application back in 01. He suggested for me to let him process the paperwork for $500 and then an attorney wil accompany me to the interview for another $500, is that inline with what is being charged for these services? Should I consult an attorney before turning in my application just to get a second opinion instead of only going to the interview with an attorney?

    Thanks again for your advice

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