help help help

[M613 6]

Long story short: I am a MORON. I was at a free Onion sponsored beer party and lo and behold, I got drunk. I came home, was super loud. Neighbours called the police, police came here and deemed me drunk and having possibly "assaulted" my husband; I was *drunk*-and not that I need to clarify this, but AS IF I would think of that. For anyone who has seen me post on here, I hope you know that I'm not kidding here... haha. For real: Both my husband and I were like "what are you DOING?" and they said it was standard procedure or something? I got in the car, not wanting anything weird to happen further, and yeah: They took me to the station, booked me and I got to sit in a freaking cell for 7 hours. I was then let go-the judge ordered me released and all charges dropped/it was ridiculous. I guess they take loud drunk laws really serious in Texas?? Cripes.

Anyways, irony alert: I JUST GOT MY FREAKING CONDITIONAL GREEN CARD ISSUED TO ME THE DAY BEFORE THIS. I have looked into stuff, and am getting a certified court order reflecting that they have no record of me, PLUS getting a background check at the police station to make sure they have it on record-or that *I* have said record-stating that nothing was filed/nothing was pursued.

Any advice from anyone about this? What else can I do? They overreacted, I got booked, the judge looked at it and let me go stat. No charges, no bail, no *anything*. I just wanna get my records straight for in future/in case I need it.

Again, I know I'm a total bonehead for being that loud and drunk. *sigh*

Any and all factual assistance and/or resources would be appreciated.

[Hank55 5]

You are not a moron Dear, just a kid and we all step over the line as kids. Sorry I can't offer you anything that would help you.

[Krikit 1,165]

I'm thinking you may get some reassurance/facts in the Effects of Major Changes forum instead of the AOS Forum so I'm going to move your topic.

[M613 6]

thanks K-appreciated!

[kevin@anna 7]

smae thing basically happened to me years ago as lpr.you now have an arrest record on your file.there will be no criminal record as the judge dropped any and all charges(that pertains to criminal record)The arrest record will show an arrest regardless of any fault or disposition in the case.i learned this the hard way when i did my n-400 citizenship papers.i did have to go to a judge in sf to prove to ins that no criminal charges were filed in my case even if it happened 30 years ago.criminal records and arrest records are two differant things and ins will pull both.....if you have a release statement from the judge this will help later in life

[Malarie 0]

smae thing basically happened to me years ago as lpr.you now have an arrest record on your file.there will be no criminal record as the judge dropped any and all charges(that pertains to criminal record)The arrest record will show an arrest regardless of any fault or disposition in the case.i learned this the hard way when i did my n-400 citizenship papers.i did have to go to a judge in sf to prove to ins that no criminal charges were filed in my case even if it happened 30 years ago.criminal records and arrest records are two differant things and ins will pull both.....if you have a release statement from the judge this will help later in life

Couldnt she get it expunged from her record? Just a suggestion.

Edited October 9, 2010 by Malarie

[M613 6]

Thanks for the responses! I spoke with an immigration lawyer here and was told it's *fine*. She advised me to do what I have already started: getting a certified copy from the country court record office stating they have nothing on file, followed by my going down to the police department to obtain a certified background check (that has nothing).

There was nothing following what they did-they overreacted completely; as such, it didn't even appear in court records. It's like I'm a ghost... Anyways, she also suggested I write down everything that happened, so that when I DO go forward with removing my conditions that it will all be ok and that I have all of my formal paper saying that it was a silly mistake.

I just don't want immigration people knocking on my door; I was told I'd (obviously) have to be worried if they went ahead and charged me with anything, let alone moving forward to convicting me. I didn't do anything at ALL, so I wasn't worried, but still... Knowing this process and ALL of the paper involved, I knew right away to get proof that all is well.

I guess I'm writing this out to let people know: 1-tread lightly! Even the tiniest thing can turn into a big thing and; 2- for everyone to know what to do after, assuming there's no charges/it's completely dismissed.

If I'm missing anything, let me know!

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

I just don't want immigration people knocking on my door; I was told I'd (obviously) have to be worried if they went ahead and charged me with anything, let alone moving forward to convicting me. I didn't do anything at ALL, so I wasn't worried, but still... Knowing this process and ALL of the paper involved, I knew right away to get proof that all is well.

You're doing the right thing by collecting all of the evidence and information now, as it may be difficult to get anything a couple of years from now.

I just wanted to reassure you that it won't have any effect on your immigration status. First, you must actually be convicted before a crime can be used as a basis to deport you. (An exception is if you admit to the crime, but are not convicted for it.) Unless a judge says "Guilty!" then you didn't do anything. Second, I can't imagine anything they could have charged you with that would be either a deportable or inadmissible crime. It sounds like the cops were just trying to restore peace, so they conjured up an excuse to pull you out of your home and put you in the drunk tank overnight.

[M613 6]

Thanks JVP. I've read alot of your posts/legal advice on here in past, never knowing I'd ever be reading it for myself personally...ha. Being so ridiculously uninformed is what had me worried about ICE/INS people. And now that I know there is no record of anything (the DA never filed/the judge tossed it immediately/I was not charged with a thing whatsoever=no record) I'm feeling a little less weird.

That said, I should be getting my certified court letter stating they have no record. Then it's off to the police, for them to provide me a certified background check. I was told by (now) 2 immigration attorneys that the most important issue is to be honest re: answering if I've ever been arrested, which of *course* I always have been and will continue to do. The paperwork I am in the midst of obtaining will be something to provide USCIS with when I check the "yes" box for my removal of conditions form in a year and a half. It's really nothing in the grand scheme of things, but crickey-I cost myself a good scare and about $100 in "certified" copies!

Apparently Canadians+alot of free beer in Texas = no bueno....

Edited October 9, 2010 by M613

[BULLWINKLE 3]

Thanks JVP. I've read alot of your posts/legal advice on here in past, never knowing I'd ever be reading it for myself personally...ha. Being so ridiculously uninformed is what had me worried about ICE/INS people. And now that I know there is no record of anything (the DA never filed/the judge tossed it immediately/I was not charged with a thing whatsoever=no record) I'm feeling a little less weird.

That said, I should be getting my certified court letter stating they have no record. Then it's off to the police, for them to provide me a certified background check. I was told by (now) 2 immigration attorneys that the most important issue is to be honest re: answering if I've ever been arrested, which of *course* I always have been and will continue to do. The paperwork I am in the midst of obtaining will be something to provide USCIS with when I check the "yes" box for my removal of conditions form in a year and a half. It's really nothing in the grand scheme of things, but crickey-I cost myself a good scare and about $100 in "certified" copies!

Apparently Canadians+alot of free beer in Texas = no bueno....

YIKES!!!!!

I agree - JVP gives good advice.. and I also agree that you will be fine. You have no criminal charges. If I were in your shoes, I know I would worry just the same.. but really.. from the other side of the fence, I agree that you are fine.

Were you at ACL over the weekend?