Navigating the legal system can be complicated, especially regarding immigration. For immigrants facing criminal charges or convictions, serious consequences can impact their ability to stay in the country. It's important to understand how criminal charges and convictions can affect your immigration status and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
The Impact of Criminal Charges on Immigration Status:
When an immigrant is charged with a crime, it can immediately affect their immigration status. Certain criminal charges, such as crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies, can result in deportation or removal proceedings. It's important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can help assess the potential impact of the charges on your immigration status and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Understanding Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude:
Crimes involving moral turpitude are offenses that are considered contrary to community standards of honesty, justice, or good morals. These crimes can range from fraud and theft to assault and domestic violence. If an immigrant is convicted of a crime of moral turpitude it may lead to deportation or inadmissibility for future visas or green cards.
Aggravated Felonies and Immigration Consequences:
Certain crimes classified as aggravated felonies under immigration law carry severe consequences for immigrants. Even non-violent offenses like drug trafficking or certain theft crimes can be classified as aggravated felonies. If an immigrant is convicted of an aggravated felony, they may face mandatory detention, deportation, and permanent bars from reentering the country.
Protecting Your Rights During Criminal Proceedings:
If you are an immigrant facing criminal charges, protecting your rights throughout the legal process is crucial. This includes exercising your right to remain silent, retaining competent legal counsel, and understanding the potential immigration consequences of any plea deals or convictions. By working closely with both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration lawyer, you can develop a comprehensive strategy that takes into account both your criminal case and your immigration status.
Contact Grande Law today at (970) 819-5032 to learn how we can assist you with navigating your criminal case and potential immigration consequences.