Dallas Legal Issues Blog

The background check before your naturalization interview

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is something you may have been working on for a long time. You expect the process to be complicated and thorough, and you may recall the anxiety of waiting for your green card. This is different, however. Your citizenship will make all your effort worthwhile.

There are several parts of the U.S. naturalization process that may make you nervous. For example, if you struggle with the language, you may be anxious about the English requirement. You may be taking every chance to study for the civics portion of the test. You may wonder what questions they will ask at your interview or if you will be able to express yourself well enough. One part of the naturalization process you may not think much about is your biometrics appointment.

How will a DWI affect your job opportunities?

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Monday, April 9, 2018.

The days of staying with one employer until retirement are long gone. Most Americans change jobs many times during their lives, often trying to move up as they do so. This means going through the tedious process of applying for positions and interviewing.

However, if you were recently charged with drunk driving, your chances of landing a job may have gotten smaller. While you may think a DWI is nothing serious, some employers take drunk driving convictions very seriously.

Your visa and your wedding: Removing the conditions of status

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Tuesday, February 6, 2018.

While most brides and grooms have many details to iron out before the big day, your situation may have been even more complex. Marrying a U.S. citizen or green card holder involved immigration issues that you needed to resolve before you could come to the U.S. and begin your new life. One of the most important steps you had to take was to obtain your conditional residential status.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services does not offer permanent residence status to those coming into the country to get married. This is because many have committed fraud and used marriage as a way to unlawfully enter the country. To avoid this, the USCIS places conditions on your visa. However, after two years, you may apply to have those conditions removed.

White collar criminal charges: Times have changed

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Monday, December 4, 2017.

Whether you work for a small or large company or you are an entrepreneur or a businessperson, you are no doubt aware of the fraud, corruption and embezzlement scandals that have made headlines in recent years. While big news stories involve government agencies and the business world, you may be more concerned about what will happen with your own case if you have been charged or you are being investigated for white-collar offenses.

With public attention on high-profile cases, you may have drawn conclusions about how authorities deal with those accused of white collar crime. Although it may seem like investigators and prosecutors aren't terribly concerned about the enforcement of laws against certain non-violent, financial offenses, you may be interested in how the facts debunk common myths about white collar crime.

Threatened with removal? This information may be helpful

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

Whether you've been living and working in Texas for more than a decade or just recently arrived here from your country of origin, you have probably heard horror stories about people being torn apart from their loved ones and placed in detention centers. You may understand the fear and anxiety that can come with being an immigrant in the United States. Even if you work hard, pay your taxes and obey the law, you may still worry about possible deportation.

There are several things you can do to avoid problems with immigration officials. It's also good to know where to turn for help in a pinch, especially if you're at work or out with your family and an immigration officer suddenly approaches and informs you that he or she is detaining you.

Your green card may not save you if you are convicted of a crime

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Monday, August 14, 2017.

As an immigrant living in Texas, you may have experienced numerous challenges and stresses since you arrived in the United States. Perhaps you've already overcome several obstacles in the process of obtaining your green card. But even if your resident status is good, you may still be at risk of removal from the country under certain circumstances. As a non-citizen, you remain subject to all U.S. immigration laws, including those pertaining to deportation.

Consequences of arrest and criminal conviction as an immigrant can be severe. This doesn't mean that you are without options to protect your rights and avoid removal. With proper legal advice and representation, you can fight your case in court.

Overcoming H1B visa problems in Texas

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Wednesday, June 14, 2017.

It would be nice to think that if you wanted to live and work in the United States by means of an H1B visa, you could simply fill out an application, wait a week or so, gain approval, then pick up and move to America. If you've ever dealt with U.S. immigration law, in particular the visa process, you likely know that little scenario is typically far from reality. Many people face tremendous challenges when attempting to request lawful entrance to the U.S.

There are several ways to obtain an H1B visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. Those who wish to participate in this program are permanent residents of other countries who want to temporarily reside and work in the United States. There are other types of non-immigrant visas unrelated to employment, such as when someone wishes to come to the U.S. for medical treatment, as a tourist or on some other temporary basis.

Don't let an assault charge ruin your future

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in blog on Tuesday, April 25, 2017.

In Texas, people do not take violent crimes lightly. If you are facing an assault charge, the potential consequences that accompany a conviction can be quite severe. Do not let an assault case ruin your future.

Proving guilt in a criminal case is the burden of the prosecuting attorney. To do this, he or she will have to prove that certain elements and supporting evidence exist in the case. What elements are required to prove guilt in an assault case?

Don't let embezzlement charges steal your future

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in White Collar Crimes on Thursday, March 30, 2017.

Many criminal offenses fall under the title of "white collar crimes."

What should you know about driving while intoxicated in Texas?

On behalf of Mark A. Perez, P.C. posted in Drunk Driving on Wednesday, March 29, 2017.

Texas has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the country, and if you are facing charges for driving while intoxicated (DWI), your future and your freedom are on the line. Even if it is your first DWI, the repercussions can be quite serious, and you would be wise to secure legal help in order to effectively confront these charges.