nettlebed

Does anyone know if the arrest records come from the subject access office of the local police force? If not, any suggestions where else I should be looking?

Nettie

Folinskyinla

Hi:

It depends. Usually they want the COURT records. If there was an arrest that resulted in a non-file [called a "DA reject" here in LA], then a Certified letter from the Court stating no record will often suffice. If you have to obtain an "arrest report" from the police, that can be problematical -- it depends upon where you are.

JAJ

How is a court going to get involved with the significant number of arrests that never get pursued with a court case?

nettlebed

I was looking at the M-477 document checklist (part of the "Guide to Naturalization" booklet, and it specifically asks for arrest records, as well as a Memorandum of Conviction.

Also, am I misreading something in this checklist? It asks for extra details on a sheet of paper if you answer "Yes" to any of Questions 1-15 in Part 7, and also if you answer "No" to any of Questions 1-5 in Part 8 of the N-400, but that doesn't correspond to the reality of the form N-400 as far as I can see.

Bemused...

Folinskyinla

Hi:

What?

Folinskyinla

Hi:

Curious. They happen to be irrelevant -- so I happen to have no idea why they are asked for.

nettlebed

Are you saying that the arrest records are irrelevant? I have the MoCs to hand, so I wouldn't need to delay filing if the arrest records are not required.

JAJ

In other words if someone was arrested but the case was dropped before the police ever taking it to court. So no court records are available to begin with ...

People do get arrested by mistake.

nettlebed

In such a case, the N-400 guide states that the applicant should submit arrest records, and records documenting the final disposition of the case.

JAJ

Maybe easier said than done if the arrest was some time ago as no record may have been kept (or may have been destroyed). Although in some instances a police check from the country concerned would show a blank under "convictions."

nettlebed

I'll let you know. Kent County Constabulary have a specific form for this sort of request. My arrests were in 1978, so we'll see what comes back.

Of course, if nothing comes back then it's off to my favourite attorney for a consultation as to what to do about the N-400 requirements...

AlanR

Heipa hei! Why the Finnish language?

nettlebed

Google it: you'll find a piece of prime poop.

AlanR

I did! Obviously an interest in prime numbers not Finnish. I knew the Finnish but it didn't make sense until I visited the site - and then it made less sense!
Kiipis.