Legal Question in Immigration Law in Pennsylvania

Hi, in Jnuary 2011, I've been caught on a shoplifting charge for $15 worth of merchandise in Pennyslvania , the store manager had called the cops.
The cops arrested me and was taken to police dept. and got photographed, fingerprinted.
18& 3929 &&A1; (LEAD)
I plead guilty and paid $188 chrages. mailed the money order to the court and tha was it. The lady told me on the phone that it is all I had to do. it was Fines: $50 and Costs: $138(by the way what is the difference between costs and fines?).
Im about to apply for adjustment of status through the marriage to a citizen of US.
It is the only crime that I have done in my entire life.
My question is , how is it going to affect my adjustment of status in USCIS ?
Thank you very Much.

Asked on 5/16/15, 11:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Philip Eichorn Hammond Law Group

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Any criminal action will impact your immigration status. The real questions are how will it impact my status and what can I do to mitigate the impact. Criminal convictions can lead to inadmissibility bars pursuant to INA 212(a)(2) which may require a waiver. Criminal convictions can also impact the governments exercise of discretion in that waiver or the AoS case itself. It's best to hire a competent lawyer who understands the interplay between criminal and immigration matters (crimmigration) and have them represent you through the process.

Answered on 5/18/15, 5:47 am

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