i-485 - reckless driving conviction ($180 fine) NO ARREST, choose yes or no??

[CamaroMan]

Hi there, been trying to read up as much as possible - Im busy filing for a green card and VERY confused, I was charged back in 2008 overseas for reckless driving, NO alcohol or drugs were involved and I was not arrested. The state merely charged me and fined me. It was a dark road with any lights/blinkers/signs - after a small hill it does a 90 degree turn with zero warning, ironically i did not even leave the road (i do drive very well). Unfortunately my friend fell off my pickup and knocked his head and was concussed (is ok now).

I have no idea whether to answer yes or no - the wording is confusing. I have never had any other legal issue / convictions. Ive told immigration officers about the conviction twice on re-entering the US and they've never batted an eye at it (i always carried the original police clearance documents).

So im not sure what to mark on the form? I will be including the papers and description in my application - would the officer understand if I selected "no" - and then in my letter explained why, since it says: "Except for traffic violations"? Or should I select yes? will that basically put me in the criminal category forever?

thanks

[Dazzle123]

At my AOS interview, immigration officer asked me why I didn't state on my application that I broke the law (after he saw I had a moving violation - speeding) - That's when I told him it's stated on the form "Except for traffic violations" - he looked at the form and said "you're right".

Hopefully someone with more knowledge can advice you.

Good Luck!

[CamaroMan]

so spoke to an immigration lawyer and she said since my convictions are traffic offenses without arrests/drugs/alcohol) I should omit them and select no on the i-485 AND i-765 work permit application - if they do make any inquiries ill show the documentation.

[Dazzle123]

so spoke to an immigration lawyer and she said since my convictions are traffic offenses without arrests/drugs/alcohol) I should omit them and select no on the i-485 AND i-765 work permit application - if they do make any inquiries ill show the documentation.

The only reason Immigration Officer saw my speeding violation was because I used an abstract of my license to prove that I was in the country before December 2000. They may not even see yours. At least you have police clearance so don't worry too much :-)