Wy3310

In May, I helped my friend in his beverage store and sold beer to two
young girls who showed me their fake ID. Before the store was closed,
the police officers showed up and said we sold the alcohol to minor.
They brought my friend and me to the policy office without any warrant.
In the policy office, they took our picutres, fingerprints and personal
information. Then they gave us the ticket and let us pay the bail. We
have showed up in the court twice, but I still need to show up on Oct.
4. I'm a Canadian permanent resident, and my wife is still studying in
US. I want to visit her and dismiss my case at the same time, so I need
to apply a visa. The follwoing are my questions:

1. Is this an arrest? should I put "yes" in 38(1) of DS-156?

2. If it was, will it affect my visa application?

3. I made a visa appointment already, and in the confirmation letter, it
says that I should bring "Criminal/court records, and extract of the
law, regarding any arrest or conviction, even if later pardoned" if
it is applicable to me. Does it mean that I need to bring the ticket
that the policy officer issue me and a note that the court issue to
let me show up on Oct.3?

Thanks a lot!

--

augigi

You were photographed, fingerprinted, had to pay bail and appear in court. Yes, it sounds like you were arrested. The US does not care if things are old or expunged, you must declare them.

As to whether it affects your being granted a visa, depending on the nature of the crime.

fld

I'd tell them, too. But, I would also prepare for possible question(s) as well as all the documents just to show them if asked. They like upfront people and things could be easier if you are honest to them.