Hi, in Jnuary 2011, I've been caught on a shoplifting charge for $15 worth of merchandise in Pennyslvania , the store manager had called the...

Question

Hi, in Jnuary 2011, I've been caught on a shoplifting charge for $15 worth of merchandise in Pennyslvania , the store manager had called the cops.

The cops arrested me and was taken to police dept. and got photographed, fingerprinted.

18& 3929 &&A1; (LEAD)

I plead guilty and paid $188 chrages. mailed the money order to the court and tha was it. The lady told me on the phone that it is all I had to do. it was Fines: $50 and Costs: $138(by the way what is the difference between costs and fines?).

Im about to apply for adjustment of status through the marriage to a citizen of US.

It is the only crime that I have done in my entire life.

My question is , how is it going to affect my adjustment of status in USCIS ?

Thank you very Much.

Answer

Any criminal action will impact your immigration status. The real questions are how will it impact my status and what can I do to mitigate the impact. Criminal convictions can lead to inadmissibility bars pursuant to INA 212(a)(2) which may require a waiver. Criminal convictions can also impact the governments exercise of discretion in that waiver or the AoS case itself. It's best to hire a competent lawyer who understands the interplay between criminal and immigration matters (crimmigration) and have them represent you through the process.

Answer

Please call me at (800) 750-1828 to discuss your case and matters. Kind regards, RDM