Is a bounced rent cheque case considered a criminal record for U.S. visa applications?

Dear Inquirer,

In the UAE, bounced cheques can be treated as criminal offenses if they involve fraud or dishonesty, but in your case, the fine imposed and subsequent reduction to AED 1,000 indicates that the matter was handled as a civil case rather than a criminal conviction.

As for your U.S. visa application, if your case was resolved without a criminal conviction, you may not be required to submit court records. However, it’s always wise to check the specific visa requirements or consult with the U.S. Embassy.

For a more detailed review of your case and to understand the potential impact on future legal matters, we recommend booking a consultation with us or considering a power of attorney for further assistance.

Best regards,

Hello,

In the UAE, bounced cheque cases are generally criminal in nature, although minor cases are now decriminalized or treated with administrative fines, depending on the Emirate and amount.

You should declare it on a U.S. visa application. it will not automatically disqualify you, especially if it’s your only offense and you provide full disclosure.

Yes, under UAE law, bounced cheque cases can be considered criminal offenses. However, since you received only a fine (especially reduced on appeal), it is likely classified as a misdemeanor, not a felony.

For U.S. visa applications, you may need to declare it, depending on the specific visa type and the form questions.

It’s best to obtain a clearance certificate or court judgment copy for clarification.

Yes, you have to provide them with the clearance report.

Hello,

Hope you're doing well!

If the cheque submitted by you bounced due to a closed account or signature mismatch, then it comes under a criminal case. Even if you've already paid the fine, you can now apply for an NOC.

You must pay the amount and submit a request to the Public Prosecution to cancel all procedures and submit it to the competent police station to close the case and delete it from the internal records.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry!

Regarding your bounced rent cheque case in Sharjah Court:

1. Criminal or Civil Matter:

Based on the information provided, the case appears to have been handled as a civil matter, but there are potential criminal implications for issuing a bounced cheque under UAE law.

Generally, when a cheque is bounced due to insufficient funds, it can result in civil penalties, such as fines. If, however, the court found any fraudulent intent or criminal conduct, the case could have been treated as a criminal matter.

Given that you received a fine which was reduced upon appeal, it seems the case may have been treated more as a civil matter with financial penalties, rather than a criminal conviction.

2. Impact on U.S. Visa Application:

In the context of your U.S. visa application, typically, applicants are asked about any prior criminal convictions. If your case was solely civil, this would not generally be classified as a criminal conviction, and you would not need to disclose it as such.

However, if there were criminal charges involved, or if the case was seen as fraudulent or intentional in nature, it might be necessary to disclose the case and provide relevant court records as part of the visa application process.

3. Next Steps:

- Review the Judgment: I would recommend reviewing the court judgment to confirm whether the case was handled purely as a civil matter or if any criminal elements were involved.

- Visa Disclosure: If you're applying for a U.S. visa, I recommend you consult with an immigration attorney, especially if there is any possibility that the case has criminal implications. They can help ensure that you accurately disclose the information as required by the U.S. immigration authorities.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need further clarification or assistance with the visa application process or understanding the legal implications of your case.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant