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Originally Posted by Dave Noble
Except that he was charged and, effectively convicted, with stealing a motor vehicle which is a different offence. Stealing is a moral turpitude offense
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Except that he wasn't actually convicted. There is a big difference between being convicted and having a charge proved without a conviction being recorded. Convictions follow you around for a loooong time, but a fine (and/or community service or whatever) without a conviction
should be no more serious than a speeding fine.
That's the point of a judge being able to find the charges proven, but deciding not to enter a conviction. The person in this case is not a criminal; if a conviction is recorded he is.
If I had more confidence in the fairness of US bureaucrats I would say that it should be fairly easy for a lawyer to get this decision overturned. Unfortunately I have no such faith.