Should I wait after 12 months to have my I-151 replaced? 3 Answers as of December 07, 2011

I recently accepted deferred prosecution for a crime. No plea was entered and after 12 months the charges dismissed. I recently discovered that my I-151 needs to be replaced and wondered if I should wait until the 12 mos is up before applying. I have been an LPR for 37 yrs and have no prior criminal background here or in country of origin. I am pretty sure that this falls under petty offense exception since the max sentence which could have been imposed was 6 months.

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Philip M. Zyne, P.A.
Philip M. Zyne, P.A. | Philip M. Zyne
I would want to know what your conviction was for before telling you what to do. If the crime is not for a removable offense, and if it is a petite offense, there would not appear to be any reason to delay renewal of your I-551. Good luck.
Answer Applies to: Florida
Replied: 12/7/2011
World Esquire Law Firm
World Esquire Law Firm | Aime Katambwe
Your I-151 card has no expiration date but it should be replaced with the I-551 card. Nonetheless, if you are not against becoming a USC, then I would recommend that you apply for naturalization right away and be done with worrying about every little crime from now on. You understand that if you were to get another misdemeanor, then you will become removable, right? So either get citizenship or depending on the crime (if it is a 1st ever misdemeanor as you say AND not a crime of moral turpitude), renew your I-151. No need to wait. Good luck!
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 12/2/2011
Law Offices of Grinberg and Segal
Law Offices of Grinberg and Segal | Alexander Segal
The answer depends upon the crime which you have been charged with committing. USCIS will often look into the underlying charges when a person is in deferred prosecution. You will have to disclose the arrest regardless of whether the charges are dismissed or not. However, USCIS will most likely not issue you a replacement green card until a final disposition is available.
Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 12/1/2011
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