I applied for naturalization last year, and managed to get through the interview with no concerns. At the time, I had an arrest on my record due to a reckless driving charge that had occurred in 2010. I was a student driver at the time and was not under the influence. The outcome of the case was court supervision, which I successfully completed.
A couple of months after my interview, I was arrested outside of a bar, as I had gotten into an argument with another patron. We didn't hit each other or physically interact in any way at all. However, I was released the next morning and charged with battery, the specific charge referring to 'insulting or unwanted contact'. Between my arrest and my court date, I received an appointment for my oath ceremony, which was also before my court date. I reported the arrest on my oath ceremony letter, and was told to come back after my court date with a copy of the final disposition for the charge.
The charge was fortunately dismissed in court, and my oath ceremony was also re-scheduled for this month. I went in today, and presented a certified copy of the court disposition (which showed that the charge was stricken off), but was told that I could not take the oath today and that it would be rescheduled. The officer took my oath ceremony document, as well as the court disposition, and told me they would get in contact with me.
I have a few questions with regard to this situation. What process will USCIS follow here? Will I get an appointment for a new citizenship interview, at which I'll have to explain the situation itself, or will they simply reschedule me for another oath-taking time? Additionally, is there a strong possibility that my application will be denied due to this arrest, even though the charge was dismissed? Would it be worthwhile for me to hire an immigration lawyer in this situation?
Thanks in advance for any response you might have.
A couple of months after my interview, I was arrested outside of a bar, as I had gotten into an argument with another patron. We didn't hit each other or physically interact in any way at all. However, I was released the next morning and charged with battery, the specific charge referring to 'insulting or unwanted contact'. Between my arrest and my court date, I received an appointment for my oath ceremony, which was also before my court date. I reported the arrest on my oath ceremony letter, and was told to come back after my court date with a copy of the final disposition for the charge.
The charge was fortunately dismissed in court, and my oath ceremony was also re-scheduled for this month. I went in today, and presented a certified copy of the court disposition (which showed that the charge was stricken off), but was told that I could not take the oath today and that it would be rescheduled. The officer took my oath ceremony document, as well as the court disposition, and told me they would get in contact with me.
I have a few questions with regard to this situation. What process will USCIS follow here? Will I get an appointment for a new citizenship interview, at which I'll have to explain the situation itself, or will they simply reschedule me for another oath-taking time? Additionally, is there a strong possibility that my application will be denied due to this arrest, even though the charge was dismissed? Would it be worthwhile for me to hire an immigration lawyer in this situation?
Thanks in advance for any response you might have.