Hello - i have a criminal record for GBH without intent - it is my only conviction and although I did not go to prison I am aware the record will be with me for 10 years (due to suspended sentence). I may have to travel to the USA with work for a few days and although I am aware I am not allowed in to the country, I was wondering if anyone knew what the chances are of me getting in simply by not saying anything in the hope they dont check? Do they check every single person going in to the country? Many thanks.
You will get a better reply if you put this in the travel section.
But the short answer 'NO' they dont have access to this information.
There have been loads of people posting this in travel over the years and loads of people who have been to the USA with a criminal record posting back.
There is currently no exchange of most criminal records with the US so keep schtum and you'll probably be ok. However our septic tank friends take a dim view of low life criminal scum trying to enter their country so do not be surprised if you get caught and sent to Shawshank Prison sodomy section where your ring piece will be given a thorough test. Note also that lying about a crime of moral turpitude is itself a crime of moral turpitide(their turn) and is therefore punishable by double the above.
However your crime (as far as I can tell from your description of it*) is NOT moral turpitude so you should have no problems in (quite legitimately) not declaring it.,
Many thanks for your answers - dzug - my sentiments exactly. I was acting in self defense but unfortunately hurt the other guy more than he hurt me and due to lack of witnesses / cctv he decided to press charges .... i couldnt take the risk of a jury finding me guilty as that would have meant definite prison, so decided to plead guilty. I think in terms of moral turpitude I would be well within my own rights to not declare it.