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Criminal offenses and immigration status

On Behalf of | Aug 30, 2023 | Criminal Defense

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Criminal charges can lead to severe consequences for anyone. However, this may be worse for non-citizens, as they may face deportation. Thus, it’s crucial for immigrants to be informed about how criminal offenses can affect their immigration status.

Here is what you should know:  

Crimes that may lead to deportation

Any crime of moral turpitude may lead to deportation. These include fraud, theft and intent to cause severe bodily harm to others. 

If you are convicted of any of these crimes within five years after the date of admission, or the judge imposes a sentence of one year or longer, you may be subjected to deportation proceedings.

Further, if you are convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude, you may be deported at any time.

If you are convicted of an aggravated felony, you may be deported at any time. Examples of aggravated felonies include murder, rape or sexual abuse of a minor, illicit trafficking in controlled substances, firearm offenses, money laundering, child pornography and tax evasion.

Additionally, evading an immigration checkpoint in a motor vehicle may create grounds for deportation. If you flee from federal, state or local agents above the legal speed limit, you may be fined or imprisoned for not more than five years or both. 

What can you do?

If you are charged with a crime, it’s vital to figure out a suitable defense strategy. And if you are convicted, resulting in a deportation order, you may be able to appeal. 

A criminal conviction can affect your immigration status significantly. It will be best to get legal guidance from the word go to make informed decisions.     

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