Lakewood, NJ asked in Criminal Law, Employment Law, Traffic Tickets and Workers' Compensation for New Jersey

Q: shoplifting amended

I was arrested on charges of shoplifting. The charges were dismissed and amended to a municipal ordinance. Since the conviction was dismissed and amended to a municipal ordinance this would not be a moral turpitude crime?

municipal ordinance petty offense? Moral Turpitude???

2 Lawyer Answers
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: For immigration purposes it could be and it would depend on the wording of the ordinance AND what was admitted to in the plea. Thus the reason to make sure you have a lawyer that knows both criminal and immigration law when you are an immigrant in trouble with the law.

Mark Cheser
Mark Cheser
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Union, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: The origin bail charge was not dismissed it was amended with a downgrade.,you were not convicted of any criminal violation if it was an ordinance. But the arrest is still in the computer for the original charge. You can expunge in two years but that will not hide it from INS if that is the issue. They will see the original charge but no conviction. If INS is not the issue future employers etc. will see a theft arrest until expunged but also no conviction.

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