DUI Conviction question....

[swb 0]

Firstly sorry if this is in the wrong area....I'm new!!

I have a Green Card interview coming up in a month (based on family immigration) I got the letter yesterday and read the notice about disclosing any previous DUI's.

I had one 8 years ago in my original country, although the fine was more then $500 I was not technically arrested for it, nor does it show up on a Police Background check in my home country. When I went for my K1 interview in my home country I gave them a copy of the Police search done in my name, it was all clear, then they asked me if I had ever traffic voilations etc and I told them about the previous DUI then they said OK and nothing more was mentioned about it. In other words they have no actual documentation of this occuring.

I am now trying to get my hands on info about this from the court I had to go to but if they cannot provide me with what I need I'm wondering if I can tick NO? I'm assuming if it didn't come up on my Police Background search would immigration even know about it? I'm happy to let immigration here know but I'm worried about the mess it will create if I can't show them anything........has anyone been through this situation?

Anyhow hope that was clear enough,

I'm stressed!! Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Old Dominion 26]

Firstly sorry if this is in the wrong area....I'm new!!

I have a Green Card interview coming up in a month (based on family immigration) I got the letter yesterday and read the notice about disclosing any previous DUI's.

I had one 8 years ago in my original country, although the fine was more then $500 I was not technically arrested for it, nor does it show up on a Police Background check in my home country. When I went for my K1 interview in my home country I gave them a copy of the Police search done in my name, it was all clear, then they asked me if I had ever traffic voilations etc and I told them about the previous DUI then they said OK and nothing more was mentioned about it. In other words they have no actual documentation of this occuring.

I am now trying to get my hands on info about this from the court I had to go to but if they cannot provide me with what I need I'm wondering if I can tick NO? I'm assuming if it didn't come up on my Police Background search would immigration even know about it? I'm happy to let immigration here know but I'm worried about the mess it will create if I can't show them anything........has anyone been through this situation?

Anyhow hope that was clear enough,

I'm stressed!! Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated!

My advice is to say no, and then bring it up at the interview when you are asked if there is anything else to be discussed. That way you are 100% honest with the govt.

[Labhrais 6]

Are you sure you got a DUI? Or was it a different offense where alcohol was a factor?

I'd advise to tell the truth, but be sure what the truth is. Your problem now is that the previous officer may have made a notation that you claimed a DUI of which there was no evidence. I might add an addendum to the sheet explaining it just as you have here.

[canadian_wife 1,806]

I think telling the truth is always best. You don't want them to say "oh well, a DUI conviction that you failed to tell us about...what else are you hiding??" and then you are sent back to USCIS for 'further review"

Good luck!

[swb 0]

Thank you for the replies!

I did get to speak with an Immigration lawyer today who advised me not to hide anything, so Im going to try and get my hands on something that says I did have a DUI 8 years ago in my former country.

I think to be on the safe side I might take an Immigration Lawyer with me to the interview as this will be the first time USCIS will find out about it (even though I was not jailed or arrested for it).

I really don't know what I am in for as far a lawyer's fees go....I'm guessing I'll have one consultation and one appearence at the interview with me.... anyone got an idea on what is reasonable to pay?

[alexpapa 4]

Thank you for the replies!

I did get to speak with an Immigration lawyer today who advised me not to hide anything, so Im going to try and get my hands on something that says I did have a DUI 8 years ago in my former country.

I think to be on the safe side I might take an Immigration Lawyer with me to the interview as this will be the first time USCIS will find out about it (even though I was not jailed or arrested for it).

I really don't know what I am in for as far a lawyer's fees go....I'm guessing I'll have one consultation and one appearence at the interview with me.... anyone got an idea on what is reasonable to pay?

Depends on the attorney entirely,

some will ask you to pay a retainer, most likely around $2000 and then charge you up to $300 an hour + possible extra fees for being out of their office.

Some won't even take your case, considering that you have already done a lot of work yourself.