Visa Waiver Programme - Newbie
This is my first post.
I have never been outside Australia on travel, and am to pick up my first ever Australian Passport tomorrow, as never had one in my life. I am interested in travelling to the USA, via the Visa Waiver Programme. BTW, would I be wrong in assuming Passport applicants would have security checks done, so they dont hand them to criminals?
Here is my predicament, just under 10 years ago I got a "conviction not recorded" for petty theft in Brisbane (it was electric shaver - basically I bought one and went to get it exchanged for a better model and had to change floors for the process, so they assumed I stole it but had money on me - crazy story). I was given good behaviour for 6 months as well. Nothing has happened since. Hell I was employed by the QPS in Brisbane as Mail Clerk and they knew about it after it occurred.
I have read so many conflicting pieces of information regarding this Visa Waiver Programme, that I'm going crazy. The fact is "conviction not recorded" indicates to me your criminal record is clean, and no marks against your name - hence "not recorded". So, wouldnt I be right in saying no the "convictions" question on the VWP? If asked, I would tell them honestly what happened and what it was. Does Australia / US share this information, or do they rely on you telling them? Would the US really prevent me from entering their country because of a shaver matter almost 10 years ago?
I have had no other previous or later run-in's with the law. If any Legal people can advise the true stance on this, this would be greatly appreciated.
