Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

First of all, there must be hundreds of immigration attorneys in California who could help you answer the question whether you can apply to become a citizen, and whether or not it is likely you will be granted citizenship. Apparently, you have either checked them out and they have advised in the negative, or you haven't and decided to try this website. The first thing I would do is obtain a copy of the FINAL DISPOSITION on your DUI. I don't know why a warrant for your arrest would be sitting for 6 years without your being aware of it, but since you did not finish the alcohol classes, the burden was on you to find out what happened. So, now, find out what happened and how the Court disposed of your case. If the case was closed, there must be a reason. This does not necessarily mean the charge was dismissed, but the only way you can find out is check with the court. There is no reason you cannot apply for citizenship, but you will have to reveal your arrest and conviction of the DUI. Then it will all depend on how the USCIS views the disposition on the case. Although the USCIS claims that you have to be a person of good moral character for five years prior to applying for citizenship, it does have the discretion to go back as far as it wants. They may want an explanation as to why you didn't finish the alcohol classes, if such evidence appears on a record after you take the fingerprints. Not finishing your probation (and not checking on it) will count against you. How much it will count against you will depend on how you have been comporting yourself since that time. If you have any other issues, DUI's or any problems with the law, then that old 1994 problem will resurrect its pointed little head and shoot a hole in your application for citizenship. I advise you find a good immigration lawyer in your area. Check with the American Immigration Lawyers Assn. website at www.aila.org, and find a lawyer to help you. Good luck!