Looking for a California Crimmigration Law Attorney?
If you are not yet a US citizen (undocumented, have a work permit like DACA, or are a legal permanent resident) and are accused of a crime, you may be at risk of deportation. A Crimmigration Law attorney, who specializes in combining criminal and immigration law, can help you avoid deportation and preserve your admissibility to the country.
Thousands of people experience the fear of deportation every day after a minor run-in with the law. If you are not an American citizen and are charged with a misdemeanor crime, you may be afraid of attending a criminal trial.
In a situation like this, you may wonder whether you will be able to return home or not, as it is common to hear news through the media and social networks about people being sent to immigration detention centers during the course of criminal cases.
But thanks to the intersection between criminal law and immigration law, attorneys specializing in immigration law—who focus on how criminal proceedings can affect your immigration status—can advise you throughout the entire process to prevent you from going through a bitter pill to swallow.
What cases could a Crimmigration Law attorney handle?
There is a wide range of cases that a legal expert in criminal and immigration law could handle. These include:
- Misdemeanors
- Serious offenses
- Immigration law violations
- Deportation proceedings
- Court hearings
I’m a resident or don’t have a Green Card: for which crimes can I be deported or removed?
Crimes for which you may be at risk of removal or deportation include:
- Drug sales and distribution
- Domestic violence
- Crimes involving moral turpitude
- Deportation: This is the most serious consequence, as it involves the loss of legal status and expulsion from the country.
- Detention: While the criminal proceedings are pending, non-citizens may be sent to immigration detention centers.
- Difficulties in obtaining permanent residency or citizenship: Your chances of obtaining legal status in the US in the future may be affected after facing criminal proceedings.
Contact a Crimmigration Law Attorney at Kannan Law
Our California Crimmigration Law attorneys are well-versed in the intersections between immigration and criminal law. We will strive, on a case-by-case basis, to ensure that you do not suffer negative immigration consequences in the future due to a criminal case, whether you are released or receive a lesser sentence.
Each case is unique, and to increase the likelihood of success, a Crimmigration Law attorney at Kannan Law will evaluate your individual situation and develop a customized strategy. If you are not a US citizen and are afraid of attending your court proceedings, contact us. You may not have to appear in court or interact with government officials. We can represent you at your hearing and will keep you informed at all stages of your case.
At Kannan Law, we are your best allies in helping you safely navigate the complexities of US immigration and criminal law. We will do everything possible to prevent your deportation and preserve your admissibility. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crimmigration law?
Crimmigration refers to the merging of criminal law and immigration law. It deals with how criminal charges, convictions, or even arrests can affect a person’s immigration status. For example, certain criminal offenses can lead to deportation, denial of a visa or green card, or a bar to US citizenship.
Can a misdemeanor lead to deportation?
Yes, even a misdemeanor can result in deportation, depending on the type of crime and immigration status. Crimes involving moral turpitude (like theft or fraud), domestic violence, or controlled substances may trigger removal proceedings—even if they are classified as misdemeanors under state law.
Do lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) face deportation after a criminal conviction?
Yes. Green Card holders are not immune from deportation. Certain criminal convictions, especially aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude, can make a lawful permanent resident deportable. It’s crucial to consult with a crimmigration attorney before accepting any plea deal.
Can an expunged or dismissed criminal case still affect immigration status?
Yes. Even if a criminal case is expunged or dismissed, immigration authorities may still consider the underlying conduct when determining admissibility or eligibility for relief. Immigration law often focuses on the facts of the case rather than the final outcome in state court.
Why is it important to hire a crimmigration attorney?
A crimmigration attorney understands both criminal and immigration law and how they impact each other. This dual expertise is essential because a decision made in a criminal court—such as taking a plea—can have unintended and serious immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of immigration benefits.