I have applied for citizenship through the standard N400 application process. I have been fingerprinted and have had my interview, passing all requirements.
I have been advised of the date of the Oath Ceremony I need to attend - 3/19/08.
On 3/1, while visiting friends at a house party, the police were called due to a noise complaint. I had been at the party for approx. 40 minutes, was not drinking or in possession of a drink but there was alcohol in the house.
The police issued tickets to all persons under 21 in the house, whether they had consumed or not and I was cited for Minor in Possession/Consumption even though as I stated earlier, I was neither comsuming or in possession. I, as it seems, was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The scheduled court date is after my Oath Ceremony. I do however have to answer the questions on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, particularily questions:
#3 - "Have you knowingly committed any crime or offense, for which you have not been arrested?"
#4 - "Have you been arrested, cited, charged, indited, convicted, fined or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law or ordinance, including traffic violations?"
I understand that an MIP/C is a fairly common citation, particularily in college towns, such as he one I was visiting. I do take it very serious even though I know I should not have been cited in the first place but it appears you are considered "guilty by association"
My questions are;
If I answer questions #3 & #4 on the N-445 form honestly, can it/will it effect my ability to complete the final step on the Naturalization process?
If I were to answer both questions with a No, what could occur after the fact if the MIP/C were discovered, even if I am successful in having the citaton dismissed on the court date?
Thanks for your advice in advance.
I have been advised of the date of the Oath Ceremony I need to attend - 3/19/08.
On 3/1, while visiting friends at a house party, the police were called due to a noise complaint. I had been at the party for approx. 40 minutes, was not drinking or in possession of a drink but there was alcohol in the house.
The police issued tickets to all persons under 21 in the house, whether they had consumed or not and I was cited for Minor in Possession/Consumption even though as I stated earlier, I was neither comsuming or in possession. I, as it seems, was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The scheduled court date is after my Oath Ceremony. I do however have to answer the questions on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, particularily questions:
#3 - "Have you knowingly committed any crime or offense, for which you have not been arrested?"
#4 - "Have you been arrested, cited, charged, indited, convicted, fined or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law or ordinance, including traffic violations?"
I understand that an MIP/C is a fairly common citation, particularily in college towns, such as he one I was visiting. I do take it very serious even though I know I should not have been cited in the first place but it appears you are considered "guilty by association"
My questions are;
If I answer questions #3 & #4 on the N-445 form honestly, can it/will it effect my ability to complete the final step on the Naturalization process?
If I were to answer both questions with a No, what could occur after the fact if the MIP/C were discovered, even if I am successful in having the citaton dismissed on the court date?
Thanks for your advice in advance.