Right way to answer Q25 ? Pled guilty or convicted of a crime or offense with traffic tickets?

[vortexvisjourney 0]

Looking for experiences from people who had their I-485 approved on how this question is supposed to be answered. The complete question is :

Have you EVER pled guilty to or been convicted of a crime or offense (even if the violation was subsequently expunged or sealed by a court, or if you were granted a pardon, amnesty, a rehabilitation decree, or other act of clemency)?

Like most of us here, I have traffic citations (generally infractions or misdemeanors) less than $500, never arrested. Traffic tickets are not considered crimes (infractions or misdemeanors) usually, but the question does say 'offense' and one does plead guilty in traffic court.

So how is this question supposed to be answered? And did you attach your ticket receipts as proof?

 

[smilingstone 512]

My AOS is still processing but here's my 2 cents.

 

The question doesn't differentiate, so ultimately if you have been charged with anything, no matter how small, you answer YES. Even if it no longer appears on your record. 

 

From what I recall, I don't think you are expected to provide documents, except for a brief explanation on the Additional Info back page. However, along with doing this, I also included a copy of my police cert and subject access report as I already had spare copies from my K1 interview and didn't think it would hurt to do so. 

[vortexvisjourney 0]

3 hours ago, smilingstone said:

My AOS is still processing but here's my 2 cents.

 

The question doesn't differentiate, so ultimately if you have been charged with anything, no matter how small, you answer YES. Even if it no longer appears on your record. 

 

From what I recall, I don't think you are expected to provide documents, except for a brief explanation on the Additional Info back page. However, along with doing this, I also included a copy of my police cert and subject access report as I already had spare copies from my K1 interview and didn't think it would hurt to do so. 

 

I just asked a lawyer and they said for regular traffic tickets where you weren't arrested or charged with reckless driving , you can answer No to this question.

[smilingstone 512]

45 minutes ago, vortexvisjourney said:

 

I just asked a lawyer and they said for regular traffic tickets where you weren't arrested or charged with reckless driving , you can answer No to this question.

 

But you did plead guilty to offenses, so saying otherwise would be misrepresentation on your application.

 

Your risk to take. Good luck.

[vortexvisjourney 0]

Just now, smilingstone said:

 

But you did plead guilty to offenses, so saying otherwise would be misrepresentation on your application.

 

Your risk to take. Good luck.

 

I did specifically ask about the 'plead guilty' part and they still said, you don't need to 🤷‍♂️. I might go in for one more opinion and then decide

[OldUser 9,516]

4 hours ago, vortexvisjourney said:

 

I did specifically ask about the 'plead guilty' part and they still said, you don't need to 🤷‍♂️. I might go in for one more opinion and then decide

Either hire lawyer and follow their advice or listen to VJ users and follow their advice.

 

In my opinion, no downside to listing this. At least you're transparent and upfront. If it's not an issue, officer will appreciate your openness.

 

You can ignore parking tickets, but moving violation is typically recommended to be reported.

Edited Saturday at 02:55 AM by OldUser