10 year GC holder, juvenile petty theft, recent military spouse, sent N400

[sasha93 0]

Hi all. I've decided to sign up for this forum to share my experience to (hopefully) naturalization with my circumstances, and hope to learn and help others as well.

Background:

- Born in the Philippines

- Got 10 year GC by my mother (she got it through work) in 2007

- Convicted of juvenile petty theft in 2009, went to court, took a class and the case got dismissed and didn't go on my record

- Mom got citizenship 2 years ago, I couldn't obtain it from her since I was over 18

- Married a navy sailor in 2015, also 10 year GC holder

- My GC expires on December 2017

Naturalization application:

- $680 check

- 2 passport style photos

- N400

- Copy of both sides of PRC

- Certified clearance letter from court saying I have no juvenile record

- Certified completion letter from the program saying I completed the class

- Sent to Nebraska Service Center for military members/spouses/dependents

Did not send marriage copy or documents about my husband since it is not going to be based off marriage.

Timeline:

9/2/16 sent application

9/7/16 check cashed

I am a little worried because of my petty theft incident back then, but I am trying not to stress about it and hope for the best. If anyone has had similar circumstances, please share. I will continue to update my timeline. Thank you.

Edited September 9, 2016 by sasha93

[Jawaree 718]

Juvi case wont count against you, as long as you were honest about it

and it was not something diabolical, theres nothing to worry about

[Hypnos 6,576]

Your criminal case could not have resulted in both a conviction and a dismissal. You were either convicted or you were not. Perhaps you received deferred adjudication?

Hopefully you declared all of that on the N-400.

The theft, even if it is a CIMT, would not be held against you since it was over five years ago. And even if it wasn't, the petty offence exception would likely apply.

Edited September 9, 2016 by Hypnos

[sasha93 0]

The shoplifting event as I remembered it goes like:

- Me (15) and one other friend (16) at Target, I attempted to take $60 in cosmetics

- As we walked out, the LP officer of Target grabbed my arm and only me

- Took me to the loss prevention room

- Gave me a ticket and called my mom to pick me up

- Went to court, pledged guilty, paid a fine and I had a choice to do some hours of community service or take the ShortStop program (this program is a 2 day class that juveniles who have committed certain crimes can take so it doesn't go on their record)

- Took the 2 day ShortStop class, mom got a clearance paper from court saying I had no record

Yes I answered on my N400 that I had been arrested. Thank you for your responses.

Edited September 9, 2016 by sasha93

[Starkilla09 366]

You should be fine. It's been more than 5 years besides you declared it in your application. Take original copies of dispositions to your interview and explain as well if asked.

Edited September 9, 2016 by Starkilla09

[Hypnos 6,576]

Agreed. Provided you declared it all, as you said you have, it shouldn't be an issue.

It sounds as if you received deferred adjudication, and the case was then dismissed when you completed their diversionary program. This is common for first-time petty offenders accused of minor infractions.

Edited September 9, 2016 by Hypnos