My friend has visited Florida once a year for the last 10 years on the VWP as has never been arrested. However, a year ago she was arrested at her home address as her boyfriend (now ex) was arrested on suspicion of money laundering. (he had bought some "dodgey stained money). At the time of the investigation he was also charged with working whilst claiming incapacity benefit and a whole host of other charges). the police obviously used her in an attempt for him to plead guilty to all his charges. Her original charge was money laundering as he had given her £1000 for xmas which he never referred to in interview and it was only because she answered questions honestly and said this on the police tape. The case went to crown court but was never proceeded with on her charge as the prosecution were happy to accept that she had worked in the same job for 24 years and had paid her taxes. the charge was left on file.
the question now arises about florida. she obviously wont go to florida and lie on the vwp as knowing her luck she will get caught and wont take the risk of ruining everyone's holiday. she asked the barrister for a memorandum of conviction which she had seen mentioned on this site but he said she had not been convicted of anything and told her to just go to America without applying for a visa! he was not familiar with USA policies.
What does everyone advise? How long will the procedure take to sort out and what paper work will be required and from whom, bearing in mind that the case was dropped? She obviously does not have a criminal record but something will be on file somewhere but where?
Any advice and help would be appreciated
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