Your immigration status may be more fragile than you think. This can be especially true when you are accused of committing a crime and end up convicted. But not all criminal offenses will have dramatic consequences for your immigration status. That’s why it’s important that you have a basic understanding of how criminal convictions are assessed when it comes to immigration matters.
Which crimes are likely to affect your immigration status?
To start, major felonies like those related to the distribution of narcotics and several violent crimes will likely lead to removal. Therefore, if you’re charged with a serious felony, you should talk to your attorney about the best way to get your charges reduced.
But even lesser offenses can have tremendous ramifications for your immigration status. Those convictions that are deemed to involve crimes of moral turpitude could lead to deportation proceedings or an inadmissible determination.
What constitutes a crime of moral turpitude?
These offenses are those that involve some sort of criminal intent or recklessness, such as when you mean to cause bodily harm or to deprive someone of their property. Some offenses are defined by statute to be morally reprehensible. Offenses involving violence or the use of a weapon are likely to be deemed one involving moral turpitude.
So, what should you do if you’re facing criminal charges or have been convicted of a crime?
Your first step should be to seek assistance. How you defend yourself in your criminal case and how you approach in your immigration proceedings any convictions that you have can make all the difference.
We know you’re probably scared for your future, but preparation is key to developing the strong legal arguments you need to protect your interests. That’s why now is the time to get to work building your case.
