[petercooper]

(you don't normally need a visa as a UK citizen)

A criminal record means one would though (the US doesn't recognize "spent" convictions) or even an arrest for a crime involving "moral turpitude". The rules are incredibly harsh.

[jheriko]

yes, although it does mention in the paperwork that minor offences as a child do not normally stop a visa application. it is also abundantly clear that this is a problem that prevents using the ESTA system to travel.

this is part of why i feel i should stress that i am making assumptions, and not hide from any other issues that i may have there... there is a certain amount of bitterness from having gone through the process and given up because it took so long, required so much effort and cost too much money.