Immigration issues while travelling when the shoplifting case is with court

[abntbk]

Hi All,

 

My friend got arrested for shoplifting, he did not steal anything, he has all the receipts, but without checking receipts they 

 

handed over him to police. Cops took him to police station and finger printed. Then given ticket to appear court after two weeks

 

Here are the questions

 

1) My friend has plans to visit India next week. He hired criminal lawyer and lawyer took my friend consent and Lawyer 

 

said he will attend court on his behalf for the first arraignment. Is it fine?  Will my friend face any issues while coming back 

 

to US after 3 weeks and before the second court hearing date?

 

2) My friend wants to plead not guilty. Will that be in his record forever? His employer thinking to file H1b visa for him. Currently he is on L1 visa

 

next month. So, will employer come to know about this arrest?  Will there be any problem to his job?

 

3) if the case is dismissed, what should he mention in his H1b form where it says "Have you been arrested or conviected"?

 

4) Will there be any problem while giving H1 Visa or L1 extension?

[rhlg5]

hi there, i am having a similar situation. could you please share your experience