Deb S said...
Shoplifting isn't considered to be so and therefore on the ESTA form, you would be able to answer 'No'.
Sorry to disagree. Shoplifting is usually considered to be moral turpitude. It would usually be covered by the "petty offense exception" though. As the OP is applying through a DS-160 the question is different.
The offense should be covered by the "petty offense exception" IF the value of goods was less than $1000.
District of Columbia code (depending on charge)
Shoplifting property
Shoplifting
Fines up to $300 and/or up to 90 days in jail
Theft of property valued at less than $1,000
Second degree theft (misdemeanor)
Fines up to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days jail time
Theft property valued at $1,000 or more
First degree theft (felony)
Fines up to $5,000 and/or up to 10 years of jail time
"petty offense exception" is
he or she committed only one (moral turpitude) crime;
the maximum penalty possible for the crime did not exceed imprisonment for one year; and
the noncitizen seeking admission was not sentenced to a term of imprisonment longer than 6 months.
Entirely up to the OP how he wants to proceed.Post Edited (dannys) : 07/07/2016 13:32:31 (GMT+2)