Does shoplifting charges affect my citizenship

[tparesh]

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[txh1b]

Are those charges or is it a conviction? Unless proven guilty, you are innocent. You have to declare it though and it could impact your citizenship as it is a CIMT.

[tparesh]

Thanks for your prompt response. Greatly appreciated.

So it is advisable that I should hire a good immigration lawyer. Is that correct?

[txh1b]

Was it a charge or a conviction?

If it is a charge, you need a good criminal lawyer and an immigration lawyer that can look at any plea bargain to not impact you.

If it is a conviction, you need a good immigration lawyer that can look at the petty exception clause for your case.

[tparesh]

Thanks again for your prompt response.

I don't know what it calls but I hired a lawyer when I was charged for shoplifting in 2007 and lawyer told me to say I to judge that I admit that I did shoplifting and judge downgraded shoplifting case to ordinanance (local municipal law) (I am sorry but I don't have ny technical terminology knowledge) and I paid fine to court. That's it.

[txh1b]

Seems like it was a conviction but reduced to a lower crime or infraction. But seems like you pleaded guilty which will work against you. It all depends on what is in the court record.

In either case, as you claim that you don't have much knowledge about this, an immigration attorney is the best approach.

[tparesh]

Thanks for all your help. Do you think whatever papers (Court and Police) I have if I submit with my citizenship application, is there any chances to get rejection ? I have good credit and background other than this offence.

[txh1b]

Like I said earlier, too hard to tell from the postings. If it is CIMT, there might be some exceptions. You need a lawyer for better direction as you don't seem to know what went on with the case.

[tparesh]

OK thanks. I contacted Immigration lawyer and he told me that it is advisable wait for 3 more years and than apply (after 5 years of criminal charges).