HELP ME! VISA and disorderly persons offence!?

Question

PLEASE HELP ME! I am so worried and I feel so bad too!

... but today I have received a communication from the municipality court in which they tell me that they have tranformed my 3rd degree crime (shoplifting) in a Disorderly Persons Offense. Can you answer me if this creates a criminal record? What about this record of Disorderly Persons Offense and my VISA J1\immigration etc... for my future?

I want to live here in USA, apply for a researcher\professor position. I am finishing the Graduate School, and I am worried about the consequences of my stupid act.

How can I expunge it? Will be the court clement avoiding to register my criminal record because now it`s a Disorderly Persons Offence?

I feel so bad, what I have done was shameful.

With this record (criminal?) can I enter in USA for less than 6 months without a VISA, for example to go to a conference?

Help me please!

Answer 1

It is still a criminal offense.  It cannot be expunged if you are over 18 (and even if it could be expunged from the public record, it would still be available to law enforcement, including ICE).  You are ineligible for Visa Waiver Program, so no visa-free entry.  You might be allowed to stay on your foreign student visa long enough to finish your grad school program, but do not attempt to apply for any future visas.  NO OPT, no J-1, no nothing!  If you not get an immediate deportation order, you may be allowed to remain long enough to finish school, high-tail it out of here immediately and never attempt to re-enter.

Answer 2

We don't need any more criminals here.

Please leave.

Answer 3

Consult with immigration attorney. With any records, it is hard to get admitted through VWP.

It seems Disorderly Persons Offense is other term for Misdemeanors, particularly in New Jersey.

Municipal Court Offenses Return to Indictable Crimes



A Disorderly Persons offense includes most matters that are heard in Municipal Court. The most common "DP" charges are possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault (including domestic violence complaints), shoplifting, theft under $200.00, resisting arrest, hindering your own apprehension by police, and many other offenses. The penalties for DP's range from fines only to non-custodial probation and in some cases up to six months in the county jail.  

A Petty Disorderly Persons Offense covers harassment, mutual fighting, improper behavior, offensive language, defiant trespasser, smoking in public, some prostitution offenses, and many other charges. The penalties for a "PDP" range from fine to 30 days in jail.

http://www.levow-costello.com/municipal....

http://www.google.com/search?q=disorderl...