Old arrest for traffic fine and N400 application.

[nealp1972]

Back in the fall of 1996 , I was pulled over for failure to wear seat-belt and a non-functioning tail light. The officer ran my name through and found that I had an outstanding arrest warrant issued in 1995 in a city 120 miles away from that location. He arrested me, took me to local stations to be finger printed and then took me to a detention center. I was released on bail later that evening on condition that I drive to the town where the arrest warrant was issued and appear in front of a judge to clear things up. I made my appearance and paid the original fine, penalties and court cost. The Judge dismissed my case. I can't recall the exact amount. But I believe it was around $300. I no longer have any documentation regarding the matter. The town where the warrant was issue can't locate any records either. At least not over the phone. I was told I would have to drive down there and put in a request. (It was a small town). I live about 700 miles away now in another state. The town where I was arrested was a small town as well and I doubt they'll have any records.

Now I'm preparing to file my N400 application. One section has a question asking if I've been to jail/prison. The other section has a table asking if I've been cited, arrested or detained. If yes, what when, where and the outcome. So should I put check yes and fill in the details in both sections? Not a lot of room to put in details for the second section asking when, where and outcome.

Since that incident in 1996, I've only had one traffic citation for speeding. That fine was paid and was able to take a online safe driving course to avoid points on my record. That was in 2014.

I feel like I should include this arrest incident on the form. In case, background search shows my arrest from 1996. Thoughts, ideas or any information would be appreciated.

thanks!

[Riqui]

Back in the fall of 1996 , I was pulled over for failure to wear seat-belt and a non-functioning tail light. The officer ran my name through and found that I had an outstanding arrest warrant issued in 1995 in a city 120 miles away from that location. He arrested me, took me to local stations to be finger printed and then took me to a detention center. I was released on bail later that evening on condition that I drive to the town where the arrest warrant was issued and appear in front of a judge to clear things up. I made my appearance and paid the original fine, penalties and court cost. The Judge dismissed my case. I can't recall the exact amount. But I believe it was around $300. I no longer have any documentation regarding the matter. The town where the warrant was issue can't locate any records either. At least not over the phone. I was told I would have to drive down there and put in a request. (It was a small town). I live about 700 miles away now in another state. The town where I was arrested was a small town as well and I doubt they'll have any records.

Now I'm preparing to file my N400 application. One section has a question asking if I've been to jail/prison. The other section has a table asking if I've been cited, arrested or detained. If yes, what when, where and the outcome. So should I put check yes and fill in the details in both sections? Not a lot of room to put in details for the second section asking when, where and outcome.

Since that incident in 1996, I've only had one traffic citation for speeding. That fine was paid and was able to take a online safe driving course to avoid points on my record. That was in 2014.

I feel like I should include this arrest incident on the form. In case, background search shows my arrest from 1996. Thoughts, ideas or any information would be appreciated.

thanks!

You must call the police department where you were arrested. I have to tell you. If you were fingerprinted, the information is with the police. I don't think that they will give you the answer over the phone. The case maybe was nolle prosequi. In that case, with the info (Date and year from the police) it will be easier for the town to find the info.
Hard, but the worst thing that you can do is to lie. Take a deep breath and make the effort. Spend a day where the incident occurred. Then apply. Better to be safe than making a mistake that might end up being huge
Important: The information at the police department might not be reflected in the Court files. But you must tell everything. And when you say it, they will ask you to prove that the case is closed or dismissed.