Will a criminal record cause problems if I petition someone?

I would like to bring my Filipina girlfriend to the US. However, I have a criminal record. Will this be a ground for denial of application?
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Answered By: Feldman Feldman & Associates, PC
It depends whether your criminal record is a conviction for one of the crimes indicated in the Adam Walsh Act. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/smart/pdfs/practitioner_guide_awa.pdf

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/6/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Reza Athari & Associates, PLLC
If the crime is against a child and violent, then yes.

Answer Applies to: Nevada
Replied: 11/2/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Grinberg and Segal
The answer depends upon the conviction. A criminal record does not automatically bar you from petitioning for someone. However, if your convictions indicate you may pose a danger to the person you are petitioning for, it could be grounds for denial. I recommend you speak to an attorney in more detail about your criminal history before filing any petitions.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/2/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Miller Conway
The first question is whether you are a U.S. citizen. If yes, you are eligible to petition on behalf of a spouse or fiance (not a girlfriend) assuming she has no impediment barring entry to the U.S.

Answer Applies to: South Carolina
Replied: 11/2/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Ruiz Law Group, P.C.
Your criminal record should not affect you petitioning for your girlfriend. However you should consult an attorney prior to applying.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Offices of Kenneth Wincorn P.C.
If the crime is not a family violence crime or a particularly serious one it should not bar your sponsorship.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Fong & Associates
It depends on the exact charge and whether or not it falls under the Adam Walsh Act.

Answer Applies to: Texas
Replied: 11/1/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

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