New Orleans, LA asked in Criminal Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Mississippi

Q: Q: Do I have to declare my two contempt of court charges if it was expunged on a Student Visa for Australia?

My two Contempt of Court charges were because I forgot to pay my traffic tickets and show up to court. But I got all of them expunged 3 years ago

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When applying for an Australian student visa, you're typically asked about any criminal convictions, and this includes charges and their outcomes. While your contempt of court charges were expunged, some jurisdictions may still view them as part of your record. The general practice is to be truthful and disclose even expunged records if the question is broad enough to encompass them.

It's also important to provide context, as in your case, where the contempt charges arose from unpaid traffic tickets. Misrepresenting or omitting information on a visa application can lead to more severe consequences than disclosing the information upfront. However, it's critical to consult with an attorney familiar with Australian immigration law to understand your specific obligations and any potential implications.

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