Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

petit larceny

I and my friends were charged in petit larceny (shoplifting, stealing food from supermarket, first time). Policeman said that we'll get some hours of community service and will have no criminal record. Is that's true, do we need an attorney to protect our interests, or there's common procedure in that cases?

And one more question - we are foreigners, we're in USA just for summerjob. Can we apply for the US visa in the future and will this charge affect visa obtaining?

Thank you for your answer.


Asked on 8/14/06, 9:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: petit larceny

Do not get your legal advice from policemen. Consult a lawyer experienced in immigration law.

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Answered on 8/14/06, 11:12 pm
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: petit larceny

I concur in Mr. Stone's response. Better see a criminal defense counsel who is also knowledgeable regarding the possible implications of your pending criminal charge with respect to your current as well as future immigration status

in the United States.

Petty larceny is generally regarded by the USCIS

and ICE immigration authorities as a so-called crime involving moral turpitude(CIMT)and for which a conviction may provide a basis for having you either removed from this country or excluded from entering in the future. And, even if you receive the disposition known in the Commonwealth as Suspended Imposition of Sentence(SIS with no record of conviction)) which is what the policeman was likely referring to, it can still have the same adverse immigration consequences as the aforedescribed conviction.

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Answered on 8/14/06, 11:30 pm


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