I received a citation ticket for fare evasion. I paid a fine of $ 100.00. How do I answer ques 22, 23, 24 , 25 of N400

Question

Asked on November 29, 2023 in Immigration Law for New York

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

When filling out the N-400 form for naturalization, it's crucial to answer all questions honestly and accurately, including questions 22, 23, 24, and 25, which relate to your criminal history and moral character. 
 
For question 22, which asks if you have ever been arrested, cited, or detained by any law enforcement officer, you should answer "Yes" since you received a citation ticket for fare evasion. This is considered a citation, even if it might seem minor. 
 
In question 23, where it asks if you have ever been charged with committing any crime or offense, you should again answer "Yes" because a citation for fare evasion is a charge for an offense. 
 
For question 24, regarding convictions or sentences, if your situation only involved paying a fine and there was no court case or formal conviction, you may answer "No." However, if you were formally convicted or sentenced in court, then the answer would be "Yes." 
 
Question 25 asks about offenses not resulting in arrest. Since your incident involved a citation, it should be covered in the previous questions, so you can answer "No" here unless there are other incidents to disclose. 
 
Remember, providing complete and truthful information is crucial in the naturalization process. It's recommended to consult with an attorney who can provide personalized guidance and ensure your application is accurately completed.

Q: I received a citation ticket for fare evasion. I paid a fine of $ 100.00. How do I answer ques 22, 23, 24 , 25 of N400