Questions about N400 application on Moral Character seek advise

[pectin232]

Need advise on this. I was arrested for shoplifting 2x which the cases was dropped and dismissed. I had an attorney then... and he told me everything is now good... but I did not expunge the cases. In filling the N400 application I have done this... is it correct? I will also provide all documentation to it. Do I need to expunge the cases?

16. Have you ever been arrested, cited or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason?
Answer: Yes

17. Have you ever been charged with committing any crime or offense?
Answer: Yes
[Does this mean the company that got me arrested?]

18. Have you ever been convicted of a crime or offense?
Answer: No

19. Have you ever been placed in an alternative sentencing or a rehabilitative program (for example: diversion, deferred prosecution, withheld adjudication, deferred adjudication)?
Answer: No

20. Have you ever received a suspended sentence, been placed on probation or been paroled?
Answer: No

21. Have you ever been in jail or prison?
Answer: No

 

[sanjoseaug20]

Expungement is for regular inquiries, immigration can still see these cases, forever. No need to expunge.

As long as the cases were dropped, you are fine. Be sure you did not plead guilty or were pronounced guilty.

Your answers seem ok. Q17 - you can say Yes (charges dropped), and attach the documentation along with the application itself.

 

[Bobsmyth]

Need advise on this. I was arrested for shoplifting 2x which the cases was dropped and dismissed.

Did you have to plead in court for the charges to be dropped or were both cases without sufficient evidence?

 

[Jackolantern]

Need advise on this. I was arrested for shoplifting 2x which the cases was dropped and dismissed.

Were they dismissed free and clear with no penalty to you, or did you have to pay a fine or complete probation?

 

[pectin232]

Yes the cases were dismissed and dropped. As I was there with attorney.. they did not show up. The judge ordered cases dropped and dismissed she said. Attorney told me everything will be fine and not to worry anymore.. that was about 20+ years ago... no fines, nothing to plead. Advise? Will it affect application? Thanks... yes I am old now... oh well...

 

[BigJoe5]

The interviewer will likely thank you for being honest, and because it does not have any negative effect on your eligibility, will move on. Also, you can't expunge something that didn't result in anything. According to your post....The charges were dropped, that was the end of it. The accusser did not show up to press charges.

 

[Bobsmyth]

Yes the cases were dismissed and dropped. As I was there with attorney.. they did not show up. The judge ordered cases dropped and dismissed she said. Attorney told me everything will be fine and not to worry anymore.. that was about 20+ years ago... no fines, nothing to plead. Advise? Will it affect application? Thanks... yes I am old now... oh well...

Just be prepared to bring court documents to interview showing that charges were dismissed in case IO asks.