Criminal Record - do we have hope?

[Sam & Rasta 0]

Yardies,

My excitement about our recent NOA2 is quickly being deflated. We've had a potential issue looming over our heads regarding a 1999 marijuana conviction my husband had in Jamaica; we was over 18. He served 3 months in prison and has had no other criminal issues. When we first researched what we needed to do for immigration, I naturally was concerned about this. Two immigration attorneys I spoke with both said a 10-year-old, 3 month conviction wouldn't be a problem.

Now as I'm reading the ineligibility requirements (for the upteenth time!) I'm really getting worried. It seems this could flat out make him ineligible, no hope! We're looking into getting the conviction expunged, but the Jamaican ministry site says this could take 6 months, and the immigration site seems to indicated that even an expunged record will still show up for immigration purposes.

Are we totally screwed??? Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Sam

[SupportOAFJF 0]

bring some money, alot of money when going for the record..sorry it is what it is!

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

I got you Kimmy, these are code words right....

[SupportOAFJF 0]

yes they r roxcie...

[JaEnglishGirl 34]

yes, I agree.....give generously and the problem may disappear.....

[Dakine 26]

Yardies,

My excitement about our recent NOA2 is quickly being deflated. We've had a potential issue looming over our heads regarding a 1999 marijuana conviction my husband had in Jamaica; we was over 18. He served 3 months in prison and has had no other criminal issues. When we first researched what we needed to do for immigration, I naturally was concerned about this. Two immigration attorneys I spoke with both said a 10-year-old, 3 month conviction wouldn't be a problem.

Now as I'm reading the ineligibility requirements (for the upteenth time!) I'm really getting worried. It seems this could flat out make him ineligible, no hope! We're looking into getting the conviction expunged, but the Jamaican ministry site says this could take 6 months, and the immigration site seems to indicated that even an expunged record will still show up for immigration purposes.

Are we totally screwed??? Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Sam

Two immigration attorneys I spoke with both said a 10-year-old, 3 month conviction wouldn't be a problem.

If they can guarantee such I'd pay one of them BIG!

Hopefully they don't just want your dough and a case when there isn't one.

Edited April 11, 2009 by Haole

[jawi876 2]

Wow...this is unfortunate. You got good advice from two women that would know best because they are 100% Jamaican. I don't think it ususally means a lifetime ban...I have heard of three years just for admitting to using in your past. I'm not sure though with a conviction. Best wishes for you both.

[TRELAWNY PARISH 10]

Yardies,

My excitement about our recent NOA2 is quickly being deflated. We've had a potential issue looming over our heads regarding a 1999 marijuana conviction my husband had in Jamaica; we was over 18. He served 3 months in prison and has had no other criminal issues. When we first researched what we needed to do for immigration, I naturally was concerned about this. Two immigration attorneys I spoke with both said a 10-year-old, 3 month conviction wouldn't be a problem.

Now as I'm reading the ineligibility requirements (for the upteenth time!) I'm really getting worried. It seems this could flat out make him ineligible, no hope! We're looking into getting the conviction expunged, but the Jamaican ministry site says this could take 6 months, and the immigration site seems to indicated that even an expunged record will still show up for immigration purposes.

Are we totally screwed??? Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated!

Sam

Sam, I know people with worse history dan ganga; it's my understand that there are two types of police certificates; one if you're apply for any type of security job in Jamaica and another for immigration purposes...while it may take a while for a record to go away, it is possible.

[^KK^ 3]

Wow...this was PINNED....

[NatPatBen 3]

Wow...this was PINNED....

I think the same thing every time I come to the Latin America area. I wonder if it was an accident.

On the other hand, I can see how this question might be useful to future filers, so maybe it was intentional.

[KIMCORENE 0]

I agree with the previous posters who encourage you to walk with a wad of cash- in Jamaica all it tek is a "ting" to solve any administrative problems. It is what it is.

[Sam & Rasta 0]

I agree with the previous posters who encourage you to walk with a wad of cash- in Jamaica all it tek is a "ting" to solve any administrative problems. It is what it is.

Thanks to all who've replied here and privately. My husband has told me much the same many of your have; it can go away. We have a friend who's nephew was in a similar situation and got the record expunged. Hubby is going to Kingston tomorrow to apply for expungement and bringing cash, after all it is the Jamaican way! I am keeping the faith!

[Zee Bee 61]

Good luck

[shawn99 0]

I agree with the previous posters who encourage you to walk with a wad of cash- in Jamaica all it tek is a "ting" to solve any administrative problems. It is what it is.

Thanks to all who've replied here and privately. My husband has told me much the same many of your have; it can go away. We have a friend who's nephew was in a similar situation and got the record expunged. Hubby is going to Kingston tomorrow to apply for expungement and bringing cash, after all it is the Jamaican way! I am keeping the faith!

Don't be surprised if your hubby called you and say he is arrested for bribery. The police department is very strict against officers taking bribes, even this morning 3 were in jail for trying to expunge a simple traffic ticket. A few civillians have been arrested recently for bribery. Follow the Jamaican news. He betta know what he is doing.

[^KK^ 3]

Shawn99 - do you have a link for the even that took place this morning?