Naturalization With a Prior Arrest Record

[haguilardof]

I have been wanting to complete an Application for Naturalization, but I am concerned that a prior arrest record will have a negative effect on this request. I finally decided to request a DOJ California Criminal History record review. The review yielded to arrest records: The 1st one, a 417 (a), dismissed; and the 2nd 11350 (a) with a comment of Pros Rel-Det only/Lack of Prob Cause/Evid.

Will these entries have a negative impact on my application? Someone please help.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You mean, could brandishing a firearm in public and being arrested for possession of drugs affect your naturalization? Yes. I suggest that you work with an immigration lawyer.

[haguilardof]

Thank you. I guess I should have provided more information. In both instances, I was a bystander, not the one with a firearm or with drugs. That's why no charges were filed and the cases dismissed. In the past 25 years I have been a law abiding resident, without even a single traffic citation. Should I still work with a lawyer? What steps are required to make this a successful application? What are the chances of this application being rejected?