Answered 'No' for criminal record, I485 interview soon- Help

[Helpshan]

Hello,
When I filed my AOS I dint research enough to know that I have to say 'YES' if I had any criminal record, I filed "NO".

I had a shoplifting arrest and case closed at the court, this happend in 2004! I was not sure that it was supposed to be disclosed (my lack of knowledge, i thought its too long ago and also was arrested only cause i dint have ID when he asked me, so had to wait till my friend got my wallet from home etc etc, was found with 40$ worth of stuff. I think its expunged at the court, i will know this monday about it 3/6/09)

I have an interview comming next month -

1. should i go with a lawyer?

2. should i go without lawyer and tell the interviewer that I did have this one thing which i forgot about when filling my I 485. (I have just this 1 bad thing in my record -I learned my lesson and stayed a law abiding person since then)

3. any suggestions help will be greatly appreciated and 'yes' iam ashamed of myself for being in this situation.

[txh1b]

Records are not expunged automatically unless it is filed for an expunction. You need to talk to an attorney as a conviction for shoplifting is a CIMT which could impact your 485 in addition to hiding a material fact from immigration. Even expunged cases have to be disclosed.

You may qualify for a petty exception clause and need an attorney for your own good.

[Helpshan]

Thanks

I found that there is no record in the 'Court' about this as its 5 years old offence, went to the police and found they had the record of it, so I took bot copies from police and court.
My research tells me that i shud be fine with my offence but am not sure what will happen to my interview as i checked 'NO' for arrests. Guess God alone can help me now.

[txh1b]

Answer truthfully in the interview or it will be perjury.

[Helpshan]

thanks

Answer truthfully in the interview or it will be perjury.

Thanks for your input, and yes i will not hide anything at the interview.

[mahada]

can you please update of what happen in our case? i am in very similar situation.

Thank you

[rabrab]

Can you please share with me what happened with you in the interview? I have same exa

Can you please share with me what happened with you in the interview? I have same exact case?
Thank you