US Visa help!? [already applied]

[mattyBk]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen

I was just wondering if anyone had any useful information that could possible help me out as I am having trouble getting to the USA... About 2 years ago now I got into a scrap which I didn't start (though the court facts don't show it to be this way) even though I didn't start it I ultimately wore an Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm charge. I was never arrested for this, I merely went into the cop shop after the other guy made a complaint cos I busted his lip open. So this is my first and only offence and I am 26 years old... at the time of this I didn't think it was worth the time effort and money of hiring a lawyer as the case seemed pretty open and shut to me and I knew all I'd get was a slap on the wrist... I only recieved a $600 fine and NO conviction recorded... That was the extent of the punishment.

The VWP waiver questions are pretty ambiguous but I still didn't feel comfortable lying about anything. So I elected to go to Sydney to the consulate to apply for a tourist Visa... Which they denied on the guise that if I come back in a year without getting in anymore trouble I'd be more likely to get it.

I don't want to wait a year, I don't think it is fair that I should have the right to see the world taken away from me for something so insanely stupid. I've travelled to the UK and other Asian countries, hell I've even been given a UK work visa... Yet I cant just go on a simple holiday to the States?

Does anyone have any suggestions? Does anyone know what it would take for me to get a waiver? How does one apply for a waiver after you've been denied a visa? Just like that dude that used to be on Home and Away got and he had serious drug charges against his name. I don't understand what I have to do to get a waiver. Also does anyone think it would be worth my time getting a lawyer onto this case?

If anyone has anything they can help me out with I would be seriously very appreciative.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Matt

[harvyk]

Not a lot you can do now... Prior to applying for the visa you could have probably gone on the fact that there is no conviction recorded and thus used the VWP, but now you've gone and "spilled the beans" so to speak you'll have to wait the period of time advised. Don't try the VWP now as they will have no doubt recorded something against your name.

Don't bother with getting a lawyer on your case, it'll be expensive and most likely fruitless.