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Can a Criminal Conviction Impact My Immigration Status?
Facing criminal charges can always be stressful. For green card holders, visa holders, or those hoping to become a U.S. citizen, the stakes are even higher. Depending on the specifics of your case, criminal convictions might impact your immigration status. If you are facing charges and unsure how it might affect your status, seek advice from a skilled Midland, TX criminal defense lawyer.
What Happens When a Non-Citizen Is Convicted of a Crime?
When an immigration applicant is convicted of a crime, immigration officials can review the details of the case to decide whether that person should still be allowed to stay in the country and apply for permanent status.
Certain convictions can get a non-citizen deported, for example, aggravated assault, domestic violence, and drug trafficking. When a non-citizen has applied for a green card or visa, some convictions can make them inadmissible to the country, meaning they will not be allowed to enter or remain here.
For those applying for citizenship, a criminal conviction might mean they are denied naturalization. Immigration authorities will review your record and decide whether the specific convictions disqualify you.
Which Crimes Can Impact Immigration Status?
Not all violations endanger your immigration status. The categories of crimes that can pose this risk include:
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Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs): These offenses involve deceit or moral depravity. Examples are fraud, theft, and some assault. If you are convicted of a CIMT, you could be deported or considered inadmissible.
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Drug crimes: Many drug offenses can result in deportation. Even a small amount of marijuana can lead to consequences for your immigration status.
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Aggravated felonies: Convictions for crimes like rape and murder can lead to deportation. This can happen even if the defendant has been living in the country for years and is established in his or her community.
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Domestic violence and child abuse: These convictions can result in deportation for non-citizens and can threaten green card and visa holders’ legal immigration status.
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Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): While DWIs do not necessarily result in deportation, they can threaten a green card or visa application.
How Can I Protect Myself and My Immigration Status Following a Conviction?
Criminal proceedings are always a risk for a defendant. However, for people waiting for their visa, green card, or naturalization applications to be processed there is a lot at stake. The best thing you can do is hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can explore every angle to build the strongest case. Avoiding a conviction is the best result you can hope for. If that is not possible, a lawyer might help you apply for a waiver that can keep you in the country despite a conviction. Whatever happens, a reliable lawyer can make a significant difference in your outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Austin, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer
It is crucial for non-citizens in Texas to have aggressive legal counsel when facing criminal charges that can impact their immigration status. Our dedicated Georgetown, TX criminal defense attorneys at Morales Law Office, Attorneys at Law, PLLC. will fight hard to protect your rights and seek the most favorable outcome possible in your proceedings. Call us at 512-474-2222 to schedule a free consultation.
