Criminal Charges and the Effects on Immigration Status

Get Help From a Washington D.C. Immigration Lawyer

A great deal of criminal charges and convictions can result in harsh penalties for immigrants, non-immigrants and legal permanent residents-including removal or deportation. Deportation is the involuntary removal of an individual from the country, usually returning them to their country of nationality. Deportation can have life-changing consequences, which may be worse than a criminal conviction. Because the crossover between criminal and immigration law is one of the most technical areas of U.S. law, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney near you to understand the immigration consequences of crimes.

• Why Work With The Patel Law Group?

Contact the Patel Law Group online or call (888) 223-8176 for a consultation with an immigration lawyer serving Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring & beyond. A misdemeanor can effect your immigration status.  If you were arrested, reach out before it is too late.

What Can Misdemeanors Affect?

Misdemeanors can effect your visa eligibility or green card. This is because some misdemeanors may involve crimes of moral turpitude (CMT). CMTs involve fraud, violence, or moral depravity. Even merely the accusation of a minor misdemeanor may trigger serious consequences, especially those involved in:

• Assault and battery
• Misdemeanor sex crimes
• Marijuana possession

If you were arrested for marijuana possession, it does not matter how small the quantity of drugs was -- this type of crime is always a ground of inadmissibility. For non-citizens, a misdemeanor conviction under state law may result in an aggravated felony under current federal immigration law, which renders immigrants removable, or deportable.

How Aggravated Felonies Affect Immigration

An undocumented immigrant who is convicted for an aggravated felony is considered removable. This conviction carries severe consequences for aliens seeking asylum, as well as those seeking citizenship, legal permanent resident status, or those who are attempting to avoid deportation.

Examples of aggravated felonies include:

• Crimes of violence with an imprisonment term of at least one year
• Theft or burglary offense with a minimum term of one year
• Murder
• Rape or sexual abuse of a minor

Why You Should Hire an Immigration Lawyer in Washington D.C.

Because of the potentially serious consequences of misdemeanors or felonies, any noncitizen facing criminal charges should consult an experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible and prior to agreeing to a plea agreement. Contact us today to learn about how criminal charges may affect you, and learn about your available legal options!