Section 10 and travelling

[cookiemonster90]

Hi everyone,


Not sure if i am posting in the right section however i am in need of some advice.

Not making any excuses however last year was a very tough year for me, i made the mistake of unfortunately shoplifting. This is something that is very out of character for me as i am the type of person who annoys everyone about following rules and also something i am deeply embarrassed by. I was NOT arrested however I was given a section 10 (cro) and a good behaviour bond of 12 months. I am now however extremely panicked as i have been reading section 10 doesn’t really mean much when travelling to the USA as they don’t recognise this scheme.

I am extremely concerned about what this can mean for my future travels not just to the usa but also other parts of the world. My partner (and his family) are extremely judgement people and i am giving myself a sore stomach at the thought of ever having to explain the situation to him.

I understand that when entering the usa i must apply for esta at which point they ask "have you ever been found guilty etc etc “I would obviously need to answer yes to this question? I have read conflicting reports where people say you should just say no however from my understanding once my good behaviour bond is up i technically do not have a criminal record. I however also do not want to make a mistake and be accused of lying.

I am honestly so disappointed in myself that i allowed my circumstances during the year to allow me to make such a stupid mistake which now i fear could affect the rest of my life. I am unable to sleep or eat as i am so worried.

Once my good behaviour bond is up will this affect me being able to travel elsewhere in the world as technically this would be considered a spent conviction?????

If someone could pleaseeeee give me some answers i would really appreciate it

Also if anyone else has been in the same boat, i would love to hear your stories

 

[I love to travel]

My only comment would be you have not veen convited in a court of law so I think you can answer no honestly on the ETSA application.

 

[RooFlyer]

Hi @cookiemonster90 and welcome to AFF. Its a good place to ask this sort of question. Unfortunately (or, fortunately ) I don't have direct experience in this, but I understand if you haven't recorded a conviction, then you don't fall afoul of the ESTA questions.

This has been brought forward / asked several times in the recent past - I suggest you search for 'conviction USA' and maybe adding ESTA or other combinations.

Here are a couple (i haven't read them - may not all be relevant, sorry). There are others - do some searches.

Good luck!

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Supposed to be traveling to Vegas for wedding have a cultivation conviction 8 years old not been in trouble since will I get esta and would USA see our records

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

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www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[harvyk]

Speak to a lawyer who is familiar with USA visa's. You never want to tell the US about your s10, so only do so if you 100% have to (this may sadly mean delaying international travel for a while).

The problem with AFF is whilst there are many of us ready to argue an opinion, very few of us are lawyers.