My trip to America....i'm really worried...?

Question

Ok well i have been to the states several times over the years, and worked there 7 years ago on a summer camp, had a visa etc, no problems.

Now about 5 years ago, i got in some trouble here.

To cut a long story short, i met a girl who basicly took everything and took all my savings etc.... i was left with nothing and nowhere to live.

I ended up going to a travel lodge and staying there ( i told them i worked for a comapny and they would pay etc) but of course, when it was check out, i could not pay. so they called the police, i got arressted and i had to go to court and i paid for the room.

I had never got in trouble before and have not since then.

I have been to a few places since, like egypt and cuba and i have planned a trip to New York for Christmas.

I have heard a few different things, some people say you have to declare the arrest ( no matter how small), others say just tick no on the box and it will be ok.

I have known people to go over last year and this year and they had some serious stuff on their record and they were ok. they said apparently they have their watch list, and they are only after people who have been involved with drugs, weapons etc.

I have done my ESTA form and put in my passport number etc and it all came back ok.

If there was a problem with me, would this have gone through? and i hear now they scan your passport and take your fingerprints....does this bring up about my arrest from 5 years ago?

I'm really worried. I don't know what to do. :(

Any advice / opinions.

Please let me know.

thank you.

Additional Details

I live in England....the offence happened in England, not the USA.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Did it not ask on your ESTA about convictions etc? If they did you really should declare it. Better knowing before you go rather than getting pulled at the airport and getting into even more trouble!

Answer 2

i met a girl who basicly took everything and took all my savings etc.... i was left with nothing and nowhere to live.

Step 1: Do not call her to tell her that you're back in town.

Answer 3

Hey man, i think u should tick the box because in NYC they like too check everyone over christmas because of the 911 thing, if you get caught with the box unticked then your really in trouble like i mean say goodbye too traveling altogether, i knew ppl who work in airports and the finger prints bring up all the stuff you`ve done and if it comes back with small arrest and you get passed they will watch you like mad. hope that helps

Answer 4

Some individuals might happen to successfully make it through the cracks, but basically, no one with a criminal record is supposed to be allowed in the US. News often report artists or athletes denied access for that reason, sometimes very minor offenses dating years back. Since your offense happened in the US, I would worry about it.

Answer 5

....You need to check the box.Over Holidays and special events people are really checked out and anyone with misleading info could face serious trouble.