Criminal Charges and Immigration Status

Criminal Charge and Immigration Status

One of the most common legal issues for those seeking permanent residency, or citizenship, is the effect of criminal charges on their immigration status. In many cases the effect of any conviction for a criminal charge will have serious and far reaching effects on immigration status, even if the crime was not a felony or violent crime.

Something as simple as a conviction for a DUI offense can have the effect of deportation or denial of admissibility or adjustment of status. If the offense is accompanied by a finding of violence or moral turpitude.

The guidelines for determining whether a judgment of guilt has occurred are much broader than under normal criminal law guidelines and can and do include situations where an offender enters a plea.

In some instances, the penalty for the crime may be significantly less than the immigration penalty. And if you have been convicted of a crime, make sure you are honest on any applications you fill out for entry into the US. If you are found guilty of fraud, you will not be granted entrance into the country.

In every case involving immigration matters, whether they involve a criminal element or not, it is in your best interest to seek the assistance and advice of an experienced immigration attorney.

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If you have questions about this posting or are interested in Criminal Defense, Divorce, or Immigration Law in RI contact Rhode Island Criminal Defense Lawyer John E. MacDonald at 401-421-1440.

To learn more about The Law Office of John MacDonald, please visit his website at AggressiveLegalServices.com.