In California, DUI convictions happen at the rate of many per day, and the courts and DMV have become very efficient at processing them. Nearly every DUI citation is charged as 2 offenses, driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content of greater than 0.08. In court they routinely plea bargain them to guilty on one charge, 3-5 years probation on the other, 3-5 days in jail or on sheriff's work crew, 120 days driver's license suspension, and a 3-6 month weekly counseling program. All that and a really big fine too. Get a second DUI in ten years and the penalty makes the first offender program look easy. And here's the kicker, a California DUI stays on your "criminal record" forever.

Sorry for the long background, but maybe it will save lots of short answers back and forth.

Now for the hypothetical question. If someone were to apply for a non-immigrant B visa, would such a "criminal record" cause everything to come a grinding halt?

No, It would have to be a serious offense.

In the US, a DUI (sometimes referred to a DWI), is a serious offense. However, I doubt it would keep you out of LOS.

Depends if its on your record or not. My mate had a dwi and basically had probation. Once year was up he was clear and free as long as he keeps his nose clean for the next 3years. Conviction is expunged from the record unless he gets arrested for booze again.

I thought DUI was compulsory for driving in Thailand. It often seems to be the case

Now for the hypothetical question. If someone were to apply for a non-immigrant B visa, would such a "criminal record" cause everything to come a grinding halt?

At the present time, criminal records are not examined unless:

1. You apply for 1 year retirement visa at the embassy/consulate in your own country.

2. You apply for Permanent Residence