DV lottery and prior criminal record in the U.S.-anybody had that? (uscis, applying)

[DVcriminal]

Hi everybody,
I did not find any topic with the similar content. Did anyone face a
situation when he used to visit the U.S. and have been arrested (for
anything: from failure to pay parking tickets to shoplifting/theft), and
after that he won DV lottery and passed (or failed) the interview? That
information would be very helpful for me!
Thank you in advance!

[Penguin_ie]

Not myself, I came in on a spousal visa, but I have a friend who had a conviction of violating a restraining order in the US (several years before, no arrests since in the US or at home), and he still got the lottery visa. I think it depends on what the conviction is for- if it is a "crime of moral turpitude" (drugs, sex), then I think it'll be very difficult to get the visa.

[DVcriminal]

Thank you! I am fully aware of my chances, however any experience is always helpful. I suppose with the help of such experience I would be able to figure out whether personal opinion of Immigration Officer in such cases could prevent me from obtaining immigrant visa.

If somebody else has an experience to share - that will be more than appreciated!
Thank you in advance.

[T-310]

Theft is considered a crime involving moral turpitude.

Convicted of that and your chances for a DV visa is minimal.

[DVcriminal]

What about petty offence exception? It is applicable.. how does it work? Like "If Immigration Officer wants - he will apply it, and if he doesn't - he will not apply"? I use to think it works rather as a rule than as a possibility.
Thank you.

[bentlebee]

What was your offense?

[bentlebee]

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

Look at page 3, you can read what is says about criminal history and applying for a GC.