my husband has a drink driving conviction and we have had to get a visa to go to Florida on holiday. Anyone who has any convictions or arrests or cautions has to get one so we were told. However, I think this is a money making scam and not actually sure if they let you in the country without a visa anyway but we didn't want to take the risk as you have to pay fines and for your own flight home not to mention all the upset. by the way, to get a visa you have to travel to London be interviewed in person no one else is allowed in or even to wait outside the us embassy and pay �70 for the priveledge plus travelling expenses. we found the whole experience very nerve racking and very expensive as we live in Wakefield, my husband was treated like a murderer and I had to walk round London on my own as they will not let you wait directly outside as you are classed as a terrorist threat! Good luck