Esta

[Guest]

We are going to Florida in June first time with little one. But I'm struggling with the question on the esta. Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority? * As my husband was arrest begining of this year and it went to court but it didn't come to anything in court, and it wasn't serious assault to anyone. Please help.

[Firekat]

Hi, I guess the key word here is 'convicted' was he found guilty of a crime in court? If not then he hasn't been convicted of a crime.

[Guest]

No he wasn't. So I can put no on the form.

[TeeKayDawn]

I would say you should answer yes to this, the question is arrested OR convicted, with the USA it's always better to play it safe. A family member of mine was arrested and found not guilty in court so when he travelled responded no thinking he was clear. However his esta was refused and he had to go through another process to get a visa and as he'd left it quite last minute ended up having to postpone his trip. You're not travelling until June so you'll have plenty of time to sort it if a refusal occurs but you may find it difficult to argue your case if you tick no because they might see it as a lie on the application. It depends on who reviews your application I think.
EDIT: just an add that what seems a minor crime here may be seen as serious in the USA for example they may link personal drug use (minor here depending on drug) to serious in USA (classification of drug differs and may be seen as serious and therefore causing harm to others as a result of risks attached e.g DUI)

[loves2plan]

I would answer no as it didn't result in serious damage or harm. If you tick yes then you will have to apply for a full visa.

[Guest]

Thank you but because it says Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority? * it was nothing serious.

[loves2plan]

Originally Posted by Mummy2011

Thank you but because it says Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority? * it was nothing serious.

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That's why I would tick no - there was no serious damage or harm.

[Greyfriars]

Originally Posted by Mummy2011

Thank you but because it says Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority? * it was nothing serious.

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If that is the case the answer is NO.

[Guest]

I have the same problem plus my partner doesn't have an e passport. His passport is still valid for two years. Was thinking I should renew his passport before applying for esta. We are travelling in May.

[Katm1]

Are you sure it's not an e passport, mine runs out in March next year and mines an e passport so why would one that doesn't run out for two years not be one?