Hey all.

I'll try to keep this post fairly vague to protect my privacy. Hope you all understand.

I was convicted of a sexual assault when I was under 18 and suffice to say, it's a huge mental obstacle for me to overcome - especially because I was a child. The last few years have been very difficult.
I'm someone who as a result of what happened has severe anxiety, depression and paranoia.

I am wanting to visit friends and family in the US but I am extremely worried about going for obvious reasons. Earlier this year I wanted to go and visit Canada with some friends but I decided to be honest on my ETA application. At the time, for me, being honest felt safer and the right thing to do. I couldn't get my police certificate in time though so the application was rejected on that basis. Of course, as part of the application process you send them your passport info and the details of your conviction etc.

I gave up on Canada after a while because ACRO's site had issues and I had a feeling it would of been a no anyway, and I was also worried about how it would affect my potential prospects to go to the US. I know the two countries share information. I applied for an ESTA fully expecting it to be rejected and that would be that, but to my surprise it went through fine. I know an ESTA doesn't gaurentee entry but it was a good (and encouraging) first step for me.

My biggest worry and question is this - if I go to the US (I'm going to likely go through Dublin first just in case) would I then be stopped at the border on the fact that I already technically disclosed to Canada even though the application fizzled out due to time constraints? I'm likely being paranoid, but I am sure as many as you know in situations with a conviction it is hard at times to remain positive. Would the US know? I know it's a risk to go on the ESTA anyway, but have I ruined my chances and actually made it worse for myself? I spoke to Unlock over the phone a while back and they assured me that's not really how it works - and I don't have anything to worry about, but I am wanting a second opinion on here if possible.

To anyone that answers this in advance, thank you so much. This has been a worry of mine for a long time now, and I just want to go to the US and feel like I can actually do things with my life. It's an issue I really need to put to bed as it is making me unwell as I am that worried.