Travelling to America with a criminal record

[BrightOrbit]

Hi guys i hope someone can help me!
next year i am planning (havent booked yet) to travel to America
on a networking week (7days)
I have a criminal record
I am 18
at 16 i was arrested for posession of Cannabis, it was the first timei have ever been arrested and was given a final warning (don't know if its relevant but it honestly wasnt mine i was very stupidly trying to stop a friend getting into trouble)
at 17 i was attacked by a girl who thought i fancied her boyfriend and when i was defending myself she got a few bruises on her arms she then called the police and said i attacked her!
as a result i was charged and found guilty (even though she didnt turn up twice at court!) of Battery, i was found guilty at 18 but i understand as i comitted the offence when i was 17 i was still counted as a minor.
Anyone i was wondering how i go about getting into the USA i don't want to risk not declaring it also what are my chances of being accepted with these offences?
I also in couple of years plan to apply for an 0-1 Visa (when i have achieved the required amount for this visa) will my record make me ineligible? or are there steps to be taken?
Sorry for the essay, i would really appreciate the help and advice as i'm so worried eventually moving to America is and always has been my dream!
x

[dzug2]

I would guess your chances are reasonable - the drugs charge was as a minor and the assault one is (probably) not moral turpitude so is irrelevant anyway.

The only way to find out is to apply. I'm not sure what type though - what's a networking week?

[Answerprancer]

LOL ...I came here to post something similar - ya beat me to it !

[society]

http://tinyurl.com/237z3q8