There are many different levels of immigration status in the United States. Conviction for violating immigration law could affect your status, and committing a serious crime almost certainly will.
Conviction of Criminal Charges
If you are convicted of committing a crime, especially a serious crime, you could be deported from the U.S. and even lose your green card. The range of penalties includes fines, a jail sentence, deportation or exclusion from the U.S. You could be found ineligible for naturalization, asylum or suspension of deportation.
There is a category of crimes of "moral turpitude" that are serious or involve dishonesty. If you are seeking U.S. citizenship you may not be able to establish good moral character (a requirement for U.S. citizenship and other immigration court relief). We provide criminal defense against charges of fraud, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes and other crimes.
Being in the U.S. Illegally
If you are in the U.S. illegally, you may be found "deportable." There are various grounds for requesting cancellation of your removal from the country, including lengthy residence in the U.S. and good behavior, hardship that would result from deportation, and family and other contacts here.
The Process
Typically a Notice to Appear (NTA) is issued to aliens who may be deportable. A hearing is then scheduled, and the alien is afforded the opportunity to retain a lawyer. The alien must then respond to the contents of the NTA, and may apply for relief from deportation.
The immigration judge makes an oral decision, or releases a written decision at a later date. Appeal from a negative decision would be to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If the BIA decides against the alien, he or she may appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Encino Green Card Holder Attorney
Call the Immigration Law Offices, LLP at 818-997-3700 or toll free 888-997-3701, or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We are available to answer your questions, and we return phone calls as quickly as possible.
We speak Spanish, Sinhala, Tamil, Gujarat, Hindi and Urdu.
Se habla español.
