Hi can anybody give me some advise please. 18 months ago my son was caught in possession of a small amount of cocaine. He was told by his social worker because he was under the age of 18 when his 9 months prob period was up he would not need to declare it. We are having a family holiday in us soon and didn't think this would be an issue, we already have a esta visa we just need to update and I was not going to declare it. Worried they may be able to see his record after reading comments on here?

He was arrested and given a probation period. Totally out of character and a mistake he never wants to repeat! I guess if we don't tell them we will be ok ( hopefully). Thanks for the advice

Post Edited (Worried mum) : 01/09/2012 11:44:38 (GMT+1)

Good to hear, Turbo!

It's not a black and white situation with anything is what I'm finding out.

If I had never been there before I would have went and ticked no for everything, but they have all my details, even my fingerprints.

USA has the most wide reaching and advanced surveillance agencies in the world, they will know if they need to.

I do so much research on this even I don't know, in my view this is the situation;

If you have ever been to the States before, they'll know.
If you are on the SOR, they'll know.
If you have managed to attract Interpol notice, they'll know.
If you had extensive media coverage, they'll know.
If you have any convictions for terrorism, or any terrorist affiliations ,they'll know.

Look at what they have added for the ESTA, even more info.

Otherwise they will not have a clue and providing you say nothing you'll breeze through fine.

I've been to the states many times before, but will not chance it without getting a waiver of ineligibility.

Assault 3.5 years prison 23 years ago, not eligible ever to visit the us, but have been granted a waiver of ineligibility visa 3 times...

tell the truth and you should be ok

just found this little article which may help this arguement of moral turpitude, or not

"Little guidance is provided to the traveler as to which offenses are included in the definition; however the website of the U.S. embassy in London states that a visa is required for anyone who has ever been arrested or convicted for any offense.[9] This appears to be at variance with the question on form I-94W and information supplied by the US Department of Homeland Security, as there are many offenses that are not considered to involve moral turpitude"

Looked up moral turpitude on Wikipedia and my offences three of the same nature don't come under moral turpitude. Does this mean I should no issues to enter the USA for a holiday and or indeed reside?

The 'moral turpitude' statement doesn't help as this isn't a phrase we use as part of standard UK English. It's no wonder so many people don't declare when they should.

I didn't declare when I've been there and suddenly my ESTA was revoked. Regardless of whether the UK don't routinely share information with the US, they can and do find out about convictions.

I would doubt not declaring a conviction to a foreign country is an offence that can be recorded on the UK PNC. It will likely be an offence in the country you don't declare it to however.