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other types of records. But, you can also search online for “Attorney Assistance
Service” or “Process Server.” See what comes up in the area where you need
records pulled. We can also try to help locate a suitable service as needed.
Sometimes, these services will only work with attorneys. Try calling one or more
and ask whether they are available to work directly with you. If you find a good
one and they will only work with an attorney, let us know.
What records should be pulled?
For each type of record, request a complete copy of your file.
1. Court records
2. Police records
3. Probation records
4. Treatment records (related to your case)
5. Sex Offender Registration records
Note 1: It’s best to try and pull records directly from the courthouse, police department,
or probation department first. If you have trouble obtaining court, police, and/ or
probation records, the state Department of Corrections will sometimes have a
combination of all 3.
Note 2: Sex offender registration records normally do not contain the following:
● Violation(s) of registration requirements and why
● Removal from Sex Offender Registration Board
● Evidence of rehabilitation
Court records would likely have these.
Note 3: The most important records are any that relate to the AWA offense or any felonies.
The second most important offenses are any involving harm, such as assault or domestic
violence. Records for other minor offenses such as drunk driving should be obtained, but
perhaps just enough to learn what the case was about and the outcome. Records for
arrests that do not result in a conviction should be pulled, sufficient to show the
allegations and dismissals.
Note 4: Some believe that obtaining an expungement will avoid the need to pull criminal
records for immigration purposes, but it doesn’t. It’s often difficult to obtain criminal
records that have been expunged. The expungement is nearly always a good step.
However, please be sure to obtain a complete copy of all criminal records for immigration
purposes, whether or not expunged.
What types of records are we talking about?
Certified or Official Records: USCIS asks for certified or official records. “Official" is not
defined, but generally means a response provided by an agency on letterhead, or tracking
your efforts and responses from that agency. For example, if an agency requests that you
submit an email inquiry, save your email communications along with the records.
Although USCIS typically requests “certified” records, we’ve not yet seen a case being
denied when we send in copies that are not certified. But, that doesn’t mean your case
will not be the first to be denied for that reason. Do the best you can do because some
cases may end up in court.