[messenger]

Hi all
I recenlty got arrested for shoplifting in Texas at jcp store for merchanise worth 160$. I have to renew my depended visa status I'm march'08.will this shoplifting be a problem for appoval of my visa? can't I enter the USA hereafter once my current visa is expired.?

[charlotte234s]

I think that criminal convictions may keep you from being able to renew your visa. The government doesn't really want to allow people here after they've committed crimes.

[messenger]

But if I see a immigaration attorney then will tat help me in someway where it will permit me to enter the US again if I apply for renewing the visa?? Does this mean , even if I try getting visa to enter any onther country the consulate will know and will not perimit to enter any other country too??

[charlotte234s]

I'm not positive I'm just saying that even if you get a lawyer, and you get convicted, it may affect your getting a renewal.

[Stephieee]

Until you get convicted, its not really on the books. You are innocent until proven guilty. I don't really know how visas work, but if at all possible you should renew it ASAP, definitely before the trial.

If you have to wait until March of 08 to renew, a lawyer may be able to push your trial date back until after you renew the visa.

[charlotte234s]

Honestly I would hope the lawyer doesn't get the trial pushed back, it's a privilege to have the rights in this country and if you can't follow the rules you shouldn't be allowed to get any extra benefit.

And conviction or not, shoplifting drives up prices for everyone else, makes them think everyone is a suspect, andon top of that, there's almost no way to mistake someone for hoplifting if they're not.

[messenger]

Until you get convicted, its not really on the books. You are innocent until proven guilty. I dont really know how visas work, but if at all possible you should renew it ASAP, definitely before the trial.

If you have to wait until March of 08 to renew, a lawyer may be able to push your trial date back until after you renew the visa.

I hired an attorney, who is a criminal defence lawyer and he said that it's a misdemanor B case and it will not be an issue. I am so confuesd wherther or not to hire another immigration lawyer, becz he is again going to ask another 500$.. which is really so expensive for me at this stage. My criminal lawyer said that, he will get me on probation for 6months and some classes and community service... does tat mean that I will not be convicted??
If that's the case, then can just the Arrest be a trouble for gettting a visa to the US?

[ScottGem]

Again, you have an attorney LISTEN to him. If you have questions ASK HIM that's what you are paying for. It sounds like he may be able to get you off without a criminal record which shouldn't affect your Visa