DWI and Naturalization

[shoom81 0]

Good day everyone.

I am preparing N-400 for my naturalization. 

I have been in United States for 10 years now. I got convicted of DWI in 02/2013 (my only felony in my entire life). Completed my probation period, VASAP, paid all my fees on time, didn't break any requirements . I can not afford a lawyer, so preparing all the papers on my own. I have a question. Do I have to have an Affidavits of Good Moral Character or just letters and recommendations to prove/show good moral character and ethics.

thank you very much. 

 

[dandk 72]

2 hours ago, shoom81 said:

Good day everyone.

I am preparing N-400 for my naturalization. 

I have been in United States for 10 years now. I got convicted of DWI in 02/2013 (my only felony in my entire life). Completed my probation period, VASAP, paid all my fees on time, didn't break any requirements . I can not afford a lawyer, so preparing all the papers on my own. I have a question. Do I have to have an Affidavits of Good Moral Character or just letters and recommendations to prove/show good moral character and ethics.

thank you very much. 

 

I would wait until at least 5 years has elapsed from the date of your DWI conviction. The rule of thumb is that you will have to show that you are a person of "good moral character," particularly in the last five years before you applied.

[shoom81 0]

19 hours ago, dandk said:

I would wait until at least 5 years has elapsed from the date of your DWI conviction. The rule of thumb is that you will have to show that you are a person of "good moral character," particularly in the last five years before you applied.

what if i still apply and if i get denied, how bad is this? i mean how bad it will affect me in the future?   

thank you

[dandk 72]

1 hour ago, shoom81 said:

what if i still apply and if i get denied, how bad is this? i mean how bad it will affect me in the future?   

thank you

No, it won't as long as 5 years has elapsed since the date of last conviction. You may need a good immigration attorney to represent you as well with your N-400 filing.

 

If you still filed N-400 today, you'll most likely be denied under CFR §316.10(b)(3)(iii). https://www.uscis.gov/ilink/docView/SLB/HTML/SLB/0-0-0-1/0-0-0-11261/0-0-0-30960/0-0-0-31086.html

and waste $725. In California, a DUI conviction may trigger deportable proceeding.