Speeding ticket with FTA in US

[dgbpond]

Hi experienced members, I really need your help with this question:

I received a speeding ticket in US for 15 miles over speed limit. Unfortunately, I forgot to pay it online before the deadline, so I had to pay for a Failure to Appear fine as well along with the speeding ticket, a handful of days later and the case was dismissed. I was never arrested for it. Is this counted as a criminal offence? Will this affect my chances of getting a PR?

What should I answer for this question in my application - Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country?

 

[DelPiero07]

It is not a criminal offense, it is misdemeanor.

No effect on your application.

 

[dora115]

Hi experienced members, I really need your help with this question:

I received a speeding ticket in US for 15 miles over speed limit. Unfortunately, I forgot to pay it online before the deadline, so I had to pay for a Failure to Appear fine as well along with the speeding ticket, a handful of days later and the case was dismissed. I was never arrested for it. Is this counted as a criminal offence? Will this affect my chances of getting a PR?

What should I answer for this question in my application - Have you ever committed, been arrested for, been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country?

You should answer no. I think that should be fine as long as you are not fingerprinted and put in jail for the crime.

 

[dgbpond]

Thanks @DelPiero07. Unfortunately, what is adding to my confusion, is the fact that some say misdemeanor is a criminal offence and some don't. And I'm not sure how CIC views this. So, i'm worried, if I say No, it shouldn't be counted as misrepresentation. What do you think?

 

[dgbpond]

You should answer no. I think that should be fine as long as you are not fingerprinted and put in jail for the crime.

Thanks @dora115. I was not fingerprinted or put in jail.

 

[dgbpond]

Please also note, that Failure to Appear does come with a warrant for arrest. but if the FTA fine is paid, then they don't arrest you.

 

[DelPiero07]

Thanks @DelPiero07. Unfortunately, what is adding to my confusion, is the fact that some say misdemeanor is a criminal offence and some don't. And I'm not sure how CIC views this. So, i'm worried, if I say No, it shouldn't be counted as misrepresentation. What do you think?

I would still answer "no" to such question and explain in a LOE the situation.

 

[dgbpond]

I would still answer "no" to such question and explain in a LOE the situation.

Ok cool. Should I attach a receipt of the fine that was paid, or just a written explanation in LOE should suffice?