usa visa - criminal convictions

[nick49]

hi,
i know there are already a lot of questions on this site and others regarding this subject but i would like your opinions on my personal circumstances.

i got convicted of theft from employer in january of this year and was given a 9 month sentence, suspended for two years. Since this time i have now got a decent job and have got my life back on track. I would love to go to Florida again but with the conviction was wondering what i should do and if it would be worth applying for a visa before my suspended sentence is up. Also is this the kind of information that American officials would be able to find out if i just went? although i dont think i would as wouldnt be able to cope with the stress, just would like to know.
Thanks for taking the time to read.

[Buenchico]

The US authorities don't have direct access to UK criminal records, so there are plenty of people on AB who will tell you that you can simply lie on the Visa Waiver form with no problems. Personally, I'd rather advise a 'better safe than sorry' policy.

Your conviction will never be 'spent' as far as the US authorities are concerned, so it's doubtful whether it would make much difference whether you applied for a visa now or later. The process takes about 5 months and is explained in my posts here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Question 289769.html

Chris

[dzug]

I doubt if they would give you a visa if you applied now - it's going to be several years before they will consider you. As Chris says, the crime is never 'spent' but as time goes by they will become more inclined to accept you have reformed and ignore the past.

It's unlikely that they would know if you just went - but immigration officers have a nose for these things and could well 'trick' you into admitting it if you appear over-nervous.

I'd leave it for a few years before trying a visit.