Where to look up mother's criminal background and how to explain this on the n400?

Question

Hi, I'm filing for my mother's naturalization process to become a citizen and on the n400 form, it requires information on any past criminal activity. My mother was fined for shoplifting over 15 years ago, this was when my parents first moved to America, our situation was very bad and we were poor.

The form requires the date in which we were fined and I need to know how I can look up that information. Also, I need to attach to the n400 form and explain why my mother committed the crime. If anyone has any good ideas on what I should include on the explanation that would be great.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Have your local law enforcement do a background check with your mother's fingerprints. You will have to pay for it but you will have the printout to use. Explain what happened with the shoplifting and that has not been repeated in 15 years.

Answer 2

At the court clerks office where the case was prosecuted.