I got approved for an H 1 B visa in Jan 2004. I have a misdemeanor in my record. The incident occured in Nov 2001. After that I paid all the necessary fines and completed the necessary community service. I never heard anything from my probation officer after that. I have not expunged it from my record because I do not know the status of my case. Now I have to go to India, and get my passport stamped. Should I answer \"yes\" to the criminal record question on form DS-156? Can my visa be refused? Do they do background checks prior to stamping? What kind of documents do I need to take for my interview for this? Please help. Thanks. Susy