Q: Green card holder for over 5 years divorced then remarried, I was ready to apply for name change and citizenship,

A: Before applying for naturalization, have a competent immigration attorney review your criminal case documents. For naturalization, one must demonstrate good moral character (either for a 3-year or 5-year period just prior to applying, the precise number of years dependent under which section of the law you are applying). Also, USCIS will not approve one for naturalization while that person is on active probation. In addition to analyzing whether your criminal offense might implicate a lack of good moral character for naturalization eligibility purposes, you need to make sure it is also not a removable (deportable) offense. Bring with you to a consultation at an immigration attorney's office all of your past immigration documents and for all past criminal cases the following: police arrest report; charging document, plea agreement (if applicable), pre-trial intervention program / diversion program agreement (if applicable), proof of completion of PTI / diversion program (if applicable), notice of nolle prosequi (if applicable), final judgment and sentence (if applicable), proof of completion of judgment and sentence (if applicable) (e.g., proof of fines paid, jail time served, probation completed, etc.).

Some immigration attorneys, like myself, offer telephone or online (Skype) consultations for those who are not local. For such an appointment, it would be useful to provide in-advance copies of the aforementioned documents.