my husband will have a conviction (maybe six months' jail) shortly, however, his French lawyer tells us this is only considered a civil not criminal infraction and this will not be in the 3rd Bulletin (most commonly requested).

I know there's 3 Bulletins in France and that the 1st, for example, only the top police officials can request it. 2nd I guess it middle of the way (like employers, etc.)

Can anyone tell me if they've encountered anything similar at all?

I wonder if the US would consider it criminal if France doesn't. Plus it may not even be in the police report my hubby orders for his interview.

french police record required by the us embassy is the 3rd one u should be okay https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr u can order it online its free and u will get it in 3 days

All he needs is the casier judiciaire, which he can request at https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/eje20 . I'm not too sure what kind of effect that conviction could have - I don't have any experience with that. Maybe try asking on a more active forum?