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Advise re: criminal record ?

Dublin, Ireland
5 posts
Advise re: criminal record ?
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Planning a trip to Orlando this year, but...

I was taken to court at age 18 for possesion of cannabis, and was fined. It was a v. tiny amount and no sentence was given,.

Does this count as a conviction ?

Would it be on my record now, 13 yrs on, no further misdemenours whatsoever ?

Should I be worried or taking any action such as contacting the embassy ?

Thanks.

Bergen, Germany
Level Contributor
4,593 posts
132 reviews
99 helpful votes
1. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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Have you completed your ESTA, that will give you a better indication as to whether you need to speak to anyone else!

Dublin, Ireland
5 posts
2. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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Yeah completed but didn't declare anything, got approved immediatley.

Didn't even cross my mind until a mate brought it up !

Prescot, United...
Level Contributor
624 posts
22 reviews
14 helpful votes
3. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_turpitude

Swansea
Level Contributor
655 posts
35 reviews
15 helpful votes
4. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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Don't want to burst your bubble but you have been found guilty of drug possesion and sentenaced (a fine is still a sentance). So in the strict words of the Visa Waiver you must declare this, even being arrested, with no conviction must still be mentioned. You have also lied on your ESTA, so I personally would get myself a VISA, you don't want to turn up at MCO for them to turn you around again.

Bergen, Germany
Level Contributor
4,593 posts
132 reviews
99 helpful votes
5. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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You need to declare it on the esta, I would re-do the esta and be honest, you dont want to get there and then not be aloud in!

Newcastle, United...
Level Contributor
443 posts
9 reviews
6 helpful votes
6. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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I would say go for it! Despite the doom mongers predictions I'd ask how many people who visit this site have put a little white lie on their visa waiver applications and been turned away on arrival? If its as possible as some people say then where are all the confirmations of this happening?

Come on, wake up and smell the coffee!!!!! HLS are not bothered and probably dont even have the resources to handle every persons application where they have been fined for a misdemenour. You made a minor mistake, paid the fine and kept a clean record for how many years? 13?

Its the real criminals who would wish to exploit the numerous opportunities they can find in the US that HLS is looking for.

Just dont buy any cut price tickets on ID or walk through Walmart without a T shirt on (especially if youre a female), now that is moral turpitude!

San Diego
Destination Expert
for San Diego
Level Contributor
74,485 posts
65 reviews
127 helpful votes
7. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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In the USA people pay fines for all sorts of things like traffic violations etc.

I wouldn't bring any of that up on an immigration form.

It is not the sort of "crime" that will show up on international criminal detection computers!!

Dunfermline, United...
Level Contributor
14,055 posts
48 reviews
127 helpful votes
8. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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You've got your ESTA, I would just wing it. The HLS are not going to check every passenger visiting the US and they are only interested in Crimes of Moral Turpitude and I don't think this falls under that category. If you were a drug smuggler, people smuggler, Communist or terrorist, murderer or convicted fraudster you might have a problem

UK
Destination Expert
for Florida
Level Contributor
52,114 posts
20 reviews
18 helpful votes
9. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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I am wondering if all the 'Wing it' people out there know that should you be called on any inconsistancies, you could not only be turned back, but would be barred from future entry. When questionned at Immigration, people who are nervous are looked at esp closely.

I would take the Visa Waiver wizard on the embassy site and not take glib advice from people who don't really care what happens to you.

Manchester, New...
Level Contributor
16,900 posts
3 reviews
19 helpful votes
10. Re: Advise re: criminal record ?
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Totally agree with Amanx. Why even worry that your holiday "may" be spoiled? I'm not from U.K. but why take any chances? I know it's not a big whoop as far as offenses go...(or I would be in prison for life...tee hee). Really..do all the paperwork just in case,and have a stress free and fab time!

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