Moving to Colombia with criminal records- Help.

Rowdy Yates says on Sep 20, 2008, 07:20:

You could send in your fingerprints to the FBI for a background check. If it comes back clean then you will be ok for your visa.

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davidslc46 says on Sep 20, 2008, 07:40:

I haven't gotten that far.

I have a more recent blemish but it did not create any problems when they ran my fingerprints and supposedly did a criminal background check before my last visa. And they gave me a cedula. I am not married to a Colombian, my offense was is more recent, and it could have carried alittle more negativity with it then your offenses.

I wouldn't worry about it. Those are relatively minor offences in Colombia
You can't go a couple days in Medellin without smelling some refer. I was in Barbosa last week drinking tequila with a freind and his freind who is a Colombian FBI agent ( not sure of the agency ) Not only did he get sh*tfaced while armed, he ended the night barely able to walk and drove himself away. Now I tried to get his friend to intrevene and he did attempt to to stop him, but the guy just did what drunks do; he did it his way. He obviously made it home, but I once again realized that Colombia does not have the same sensitivities to alot of issues that the USA does. For better or for worse.

The other thing is those are clearly offenses that can be expunged from your record. You can do that yourself or ask an attorney to do it for around $750. You should do that anyhow so you don't have to even ask the question again. I will beable to expunge my conviction in about 8 months and I intend to do that.


David

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roloenNJ says on Sep 20, 2008, 07:41:

If they were to sent you fingerprint to the FBI it would come up positive bc you were already given an FBI number for the two prior arrests that you talked about. But, I dont think you are going to have any problems.

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appraiser says on Sep 20, 2008, 07:46:

Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately, the State of Florida will not allow the convictions to be expunged (very conservative state.) Anyway, I am hoping I can be honest on the visa application, because I don't want to be accused of lying on the form. Does anyone know of a person who has a criminal record such as mine, checked yes and explained it on the application, and what happened from there?

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Sonny says on Sep 20, 2008, 08:23:

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I think I read someplace on this site that Colombia no longer checks backgroud or fingerprints.
Please...................I may be wrong but someone will correct me if wrong. You may want to read a few old post

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Gator says on Sep 20, 2008, 09:26:

Florida will expunge one time but if you have a second offense you are out of luck.

From the visa application:

HA TENIDO O TIENE PROCESOS PENALES EN SU CONTRA? SI (yes) NO (no)
HAVE YOU EVER HAD OR CURRENTLY HAVE ANY PENDING CRIMINAL CHARGES OR CONVICTIONS?

never a good idea to lie on this application-but may or may not be subject to a NCIC check

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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dwmte7 says on Sep 20, 2008, 09:33:

young man....not to worry. those are no more than pimples in your life. "drugs" are legal to use and possess for personal use in colombia. and DUI....well you'll see plenty of those in your new life in colombia.

don't worry about it. you're not a criminal..

sounds like you and the mrs. have made a prudent decision for your future. you'll both enjoy yourselves and your life and your child (ren) there. GOD bless and guide you both

d w martin

dwmte

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MaFe says on Sep 20, 2008, 10:45:

I don't think misdemeanors aren't a huge concern, I am with Douglas...it is "a pimple in your life, and you are NOT a criminal."

Why is your wife going to Colombia for medical school? Are you guys planning on returning here?

Ask this guy...http://poorbuthappy.com/lawyerco/
send him a PM.

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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appraiser says on Sep 20, 2008, 10:57:

Thanks everyone for your input. dwmte7, your input is encouraging. MaFe, you give me a good lead. Thanks again. MaFe, my wife was a medical student in Colombia when we decided to get married. She left her school in good standing. Anyway, we planned on her finishing her B.S. here, then going to med school here. She is struggling with the MCAT, and I am struggling with my career. So, I said we might as well go to Colombia for some education. I'll be able to fund her education there, and we'll have a family apartment to live in, no expense. The school said she is welcome back. I think it's going to be a great adventure for my son and me and food for my wife's soul.

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MaFe says on Sep 20, 2008, 11:07:

Appraiser...email that colombian lawyer.
I am checking on my end with the Feds...give me a few days...I don't know Colombian laws but I do know how the gov't agencies are in regards to your concern.

I think what you guys are doing is great!!
Love your last line.." I think it's going to be a great adventure for my son and me and food for my wife's soul."

Enjoy! Goze! Live! Love!

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

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OneHappyBoy says on Sep 20, 2008, 11:29:

If the worst you have done was get a DUI and got caught smoking a bit of reefer; especially,since one of your offenses in over 10 years ago.. Even the Federal Government, in the US of A, has bigger fish to fry... I am sure the Colombian government is cut from the same cloth. I really doubt you have a problem....

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chloe says on Sep 20, 2008, 12:09:

I have many friends who have gotten in trouble before, both state and federal level, they had no problem with passport, visa, not sure what the current laws are now.

chloe

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appraiser says on Sep 20, 2008, 12:39:

Thank you MaFe. I did PM the lawyer. I appreciate your efforts.

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mariacvetanoski says on Sep 20, 2008, 15:15:

appraiser-have you thought about getting your criminal records sealed?? they can run a backround check and it will come back that you were in jail but they can not see what the offense was for- costs about 1500 $ but it is worth it if you are that worried... contact an attorney in florida and they will advise you- also see an immigration lawyer they will tell you straight from the horses mouth what is acceptable and what is not...

Save the street children of Colombia Now!!

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Sonny says on Sep 20, 2008, 15:49:

APPRAISER Try this site it will help you.
www.medellininfor.com/visa/index.html.

This site covers all visa requirements and tells you about the need or no need for a police report/
Good luck

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Gator says on Sep 20, 2008, 16:05:

Do NOT have the record sealed, have it expunged. In Florida when a criminal history record is sealed, the public will not have access to it. Certain governmental or related entities, primarily those listed in s. 943.059(4)(a), Florida Statutes, have access to sealed record information in its entirety.

When a record has been expunged, those entities which would have access to a sealed record will be informed that the subject of the record has had a record expunged, but would not have access to the record itself without a court order. All they would receive is a caveat statement indicating that "Criminal Information has been Expunged from this Record".

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Titofijo says on Sep 20, 2008, 17:14:

I'm Colombian and had some minor problems with the law here in Col. and still got a visa for the US

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Catfish35 says on Sep 21, 2008, 18:46:

Appraiser...I have a very good friend that now resides in Colombia and has 2 Federal Felony convictions in the USA. They are over 10 years old and from what he informed me, Colombia is more concerned if you have an "on going" situation. In this, you might be an issue that you may either jump bail, be wanted, or being active in your criminal activities..either way...I hardly would consider DWI's as something to worry about....I think if they knew you were losing sleep over this they may laugh at you...Once you get to Locombia and see the drivers, you will then understand that they all drive drunk here..(at least they appear to be)..

"So many guns, and so few brains". sam spade

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