Arrests vs. Convictions

[us.student]

Hello-

I have two arrests on record in the United States, however, all charges were dismissed in both cases. This means that technically, I do not have any criminal convictions in the United States (or anywhere else).

Can I safely answer "NO" to the question of criminal convictions on my application, assuming that I further elaborate on the application and disclose my arrest record and the details associated with those dismissals? This seems to be the most correct and also honest way to do it.

Thank you.

[Amber]

Yes.

[us.student]

Amber, you have been very knowledgeable and very helpful in many threads on this forum. I don't want to be cheeky, but might I enquire as to your background? Are you a solicitor, or perhaps are you familiar with the law as a matter of having to deal with it in your own personal affairs?

Thank you again!

[Amber]

Law is my background, currently academia. My practice area is currently not in immigration law, but I enjoy it, sometimes at least

The UK doesn't view an arrest as a bar, unlike the Draconian rules of the US, where an arrest is an automatic refusal for ESTA.