How will 2 misdemeanor charges affect my F-1 visa application?

You need to contact an experienced immigrationa ttorney who can advise you as to the effects of these charges on your immigration status and ability to stay in status or renew status later. Reckless driving and leaving the scene are serious charges. Remember criminal law and immigration law can treat the same events if different ways. You need to have your case reviewed before you decide to do anything with the criminal case; even a diversion program or no contest plea can be considered adjudication of guilt for immigration purposes.

I agree with my colleague in that you need to speak with a qualified immigration attorney in your area to discuss the immigration consequences of these crimes. Sometimes individuals are offered Pretrial Intervention and the case will be dismissed. This however does not mean that the crimes will not cause you problems with immigration. Be proactive have your criminal defense attorney speak with a qualified immigration attorney or feel free to go on your own to an immigration attorney.

In agreeing with my colleagues, I would also add that your criminal lawyer should vigorously defend these charges and search for an appropriate disposition under TN law without signing or uttering a guilty plea, or admitting guilt to the charges. This is called an Attorney General's diversion (Not to be confused with Judicial diversion). Good luck to you. Rehim Babaoglu Lawyer Thomason Hendrix Harvey Johnson & Mitchell, PLLC Phone: 901-525-8721 Fax: 901-531-8514 Email: [email protected] vCard: Rehim Babaoglu Web: http://www.thomasonhendrix.com One Commerce Square, 29th Floor 40 South Main • Memphis, TN 38103

Any criminal conviction can have a negative impact on your immigration status. I advise all my clients to speak to an immigration attorney BEFORE accepting any negotiated plea.