I can’t find records of a DUI from 20 years ago — can I just say I have no criminal record on my citizenship application?
I’m applying for citizenship. I was in county jail 20 years ago over a DUI issue. The citizenship application asks you to disclose any criminal record, but it’s been so long that I no longer have the related documents. Is it okay for me to simply state that I have no criminal record? Or should I be worried and go through this with an attorney?
Even for old records, you should go to the court and request them, and try your best to find them. If you were in county jail, there’s no way the record doesn’t exist. If you have a criminal record but state that you don’t, it can cause serious problems later, so you must always answer truthfully.