Petit larceny in ny queens and citizenship due

[Paradise1]

Hi! 2 weeks back I was caught shoplifting by (dept. store) for $134 and I was arrested. It's my first arrest and I am really worried as I have my citizenship due on jan'7 and my arraignment is on Feb'11. Do you think they will deny or delay my citizenship? I am going to apply for ACD but wonder what will be the consequences of ACD on immigration status. Even if I migrations denies ,can I reapply after my case is closed? Also can I travel outside country during my acd? I have a big project in India and gotta travel in May .is that ok if I leave country before 6 months and my lawyer can mail me the copy there,so that I have no problem at the airport? Please reply I am quite worried!

 

[Proserpina]

This really boils down to sentencing. You've also got to understand that while it may be a misdemeanor in NY, USCIS may use their own rules in determining whether a crime falls into a certain category.

The best (perhaps only) advice I can give you is speak with both your criminal attorney AND an experienced Immigration attorney before you do anything else. ACDs generally don't trigger deportation procedures, but it can cause you immense trouble when you're trying to return to the US.

 

[Betty3]

Agree that you should talk to a criminal law attorney & an immigration attorney. There isn't much more we can tell you on this forum.