Criminal convictions?

I'm wondering if anyone has any information on/experience with getting a UK visa with a criminal record?

I believe the rule is "Any conviction for an offense, which, if committed in the UK, would be punishable by confinement of one year or more" is an automatic denial.

13 years ago, I was convicted of carrying a handgun without a permit (not shooting it or anything, but it was found on me.) I'm pretty darn sure that that would be punishable by a year or more in the UK. What I'm not sure of is if time mitigates this in any way.

Naturally, the 900 number wasn't of any use to me.

I'm worried that the only way I can find out is to apply, and I'm afraid of being denied because then I think I'd be barred from entering even to visit family.

If the risk is too great, then my fiance can apply to come to the US, instead.

I'd be grateful for any information... thank you!

You always have to write it down, but time mitigates.  I don't know where yours fits it, but the maximum is 15 years plus the amount of time incarcerated; lesser offenses need less time.  It's not necessarily an automatic refusal for a family category, but you'd be looney not to have your app managed.  Tarting your bio will be key - at least that's the first thing that sprung to my mind...

Here's an update to my situation:

As of 9/15, there is a new application. The question "have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense?" has a note that says something to the effect of "Convictions that are considered spent under the 1974 Criminal Rehabilitation Act do not need to be listed."

There's a chart online somewhere for what is "spent" and my conviction has been "spent" for many years.

So, I don't even have to mention it!

The only thing we'll have to worry about is making sure my fiance's finances are in order - he's a small business owner, and so he has to prove he has income.