Travelling to America with a criminal record

[BrightOrbit]

Hi guys i hope someone can help me!
next year i am planning (havent booked yet) to travel to America
on a networking week (7days)
I have a criminal record
I am 18
at 16 i was arrested for posession of Cannabis, it was the first timei have ever been arrested and was given a final warning (don't know if its relevant but it honestly wasnt mine i was very stupidly trying to stop a friend getting into trouble)
at 17 i was attacked by a girl who thought i fancied her boyfriend and when i was defending myself she got a few bruises on her arms she then called the police and said i attacked her!
as a result i was charged and found guilty (even though she didnt turn up twice at court!) of Battery, i was found guilty at 18 but i understand as i comitted the offence when i was 17 i was still counted as a minor.
Anyone i was wondering how i go about getting into the USA i don't want to risk not declaring it also what are my chances of being accepted with these offences?
I also in couple of years plan to apply for an 0-1 Visa (when i have achieved the required amount for this visa) will my record make me ineligible? or are there steps to be taken?
Sorry for the essay, i would really appreciate the help and advice as i'm so worried eventually moving to America is and always has been my dream!
x

[MarkRae]

In theory, you have no chance whatsoever of getting into America, as you have convicted of more than one offence which the American consider to be 'moral turpitude'. You really need to contact a legal professional who specialises in this area...

[dzug2]

I've replied under Law with a differing opinion

[BrightOrbit]

Thanks for all the answers so far, mark as far as i understand neither of my crimes are considered to be 'Moral Turpitude' i did some research on the web my battery charged would only be considered that if it was a violence charge with intent and as far as i can tell from the web the possesion doesnt come under that category either. i could be wrong does ayone know otherwise?

[sandyRoe]

A 'final warning' isn't a conviction.

[society]

http://tinyurl.com/3a5pca2

[dzug2]

You cannabis crime IS moral turpitude, though as you were a minor it is normally disregarded when applying for a visa

I'd agree with you regarding the assault - no weapon, no intent

Whether a final warning is a conviction or not is irrelevant in US eyes. The arrest is sufficient for them to take an interest in it.

[Dee Sa]

sorry but you wont get in !
when I see these students in the recent demos I said to myself how many of these will regret their actions in 15 yrs time when they have a family of their own who want to go to Florida Disney and they wont be able to take them because of something they stupidly did years ago.