CRIMINAL RECORDS: THE HIDDEN THREAT
TO YOUR IMMIGRATION SUCCESS

Many people apply for immigration benefits on their own. The forms look easy to them. They complete their paperwork, sign their applications, and assume everything will go smoothly.

Unfortunately, they sometimes hit an unexpected roadblock. A minor crime committed 5, 10, or even 20 years ago becomes a nightmare.

Under current law, old convictions, which clients might have forgotten, can destroy an immigration application at any phase – getting a green card, renewing a green card, becoming a citizen, or fighting deportation in court.

If you have a criminal record, you should seek legal advice immediately. Even the smaller convictions for crimes like shoplifting, drunk driving, and petty theft could cause you to lose your green card.

Some convictions lead to almost automatic loss of your green card.

These are known as “Aggravated Felonies.”

Other criminal convictions lead to good moral character problems.

These are called “Crimes of Moral Turpitude.” These types of convictions also cause deportation in many cases.

What Types Of Convictions Are Aggravated Felonies?

The most common types of aggravated felonies are the following types of offenses:

1. Drug Crimes
2. Sex Crimes
3. Violence Crimes
4. Domestic Violence
5. Firearms Offenses
6. Fraud-Related Offense

Why You Should Have Your Convictions Analyzed Before Filing Any Immigration Papers

Old Convictions Can Lead To Automatic Deportation

Before filing papers, you should have all prior arrests and convictions analyzed by an immigration defense attorney. Once they are analyzed, you may need to take steps to reduce the negative effects of convictions and protect your immigration status.

Police officers chased some youths who had committed some mischief. The boys ran through Tom’s yard and jumped over the back fence. Hearing the noise, Tom went outside. Noticing the officers were breathing heavily, he invited them inside for water and orange juice. Tom, 45 years old, was a minister of a local church and active in community affairs. He worked with teenagers, encouraging them to stay away from crime and drugs. Tom was well-liked by his neighbors and congregation. When the officers went back to their car, they called in everyone’s name. They even ran a background check on Tom. A short while later, they asked Tom to come over to their vehicle. To Tom’s surprise, they arrested him. They transferred him over to immigration authorities. It turned out Tom had been arrested and convicted of a crime 25 years earlier. After that incident, Tom had reformed and led an exemplary life. When he had renewed his green card, he did not have any problems due to his arrest. However, in recent years, immigration law had increased the list of crimes which make a person automatically deportable. Tom’s old crime was now on that list.

Small Convictions Can Lead To Automatic Deportation

Analyzing the effect of convictions on immigration records is complex. This is not something clients should try doing on their own.

Even a small conviction can become an immigration deal-breaker.

For instance, maybe you only spent two days in jail, paid a $200 fine, and were given informal probation by the state court judge. The District Attorney said your offense was a misdemeanor, a small crime. Yet, when you tried to went to your green card interview, he government said your offense was an aggravated felony.

That makes no sense to you. How does a small misdemeanor become an immigration felony?

If your conviction fits into one of the six aggravated felony categories listed above, even if it is a small conviction, it is an aggravated felony in immigration law.

And that means automatic deportation.

What Are Crimes Of Moral Turpitude?

Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs) can also destroy an immigrant’s right to live and work legally in the U.S.

In general, CIMTs are defined as crimes which show an evil mental intent or a depraved human nature. Some courts have said CIMTs are actions taken with a criminal heart.

It’s easier, in my view, to understand them as acts which demonstrate “bad moral character.”

Not all criminal convictions which show bad judgment are acts of “moral turpitude.” But trying to defend yourself in such cases is not a good idea.

Here are the types of offenses sometimes deemed CIMTs:

1. Crimes against another person
2. Sexual offenses
3. Crimes against another’s property
4. Crimes involving fraud
5. Crimes against the government
6. Violations of regulatory laws (like gambling and drunk driving)

If you’re a lawful permanent resident, you’ll need to prove, even though you did not pay your taxes or you were arrested for drunk driving, your offenses are not CIMTs – and other reasons why you still deserve to keep your green card.

HOW WE HELP IMMIGRANTS WITH CRIMINAL PROBLEMS

We can help you three different ways.  First, during your criminal case.  Second, at immigration court hearings.  Third, in immigration appeals.

Criminal Court Hearings and Plea Bargains

If you are facing criminal charges right now, immigration attorney Carlos Batara can work with you and your criminal defense attorney before you enter a plea.

Whether you live in Riverside, Hemet, San Bernardino, San Diego, Escondido – or anywhere in California or Arizona – we can help you understand how criminal charges against you might affect your immigration status.

We can provide suggestions and action steps about how to reduce the possibility of deportation after your criminal case ends.  We can help your criminal defense attorney figure out how to protect your immigration status.

Immigration Court Hearings and Trials

We will serve as your deportation defense attorney.  After you are convicted in criminal court, you could be forced to go to immigration court.  When this happens, the U. S. government will seek to deport you because of your conviction.  We can help you fight deportation and removal from the United States.

Immigration Appeals and Deportation Defense

Perhaps you’ve already went to immigration court. If the judge has ordered you to be deported due to your past offense, we may be able to help you fight back.  We may be able to help you challenge the judge’s decision, by using our immigration appeals experience.

Your past conviction does not always have to lead to automatic deportation.  Immigration judges make mistakes.  The law is not always clear.  If you want to fight back, we will represent you in your appeal. We will challenge the immigration judge’s view of your conviction.

Whatever your current situation, do not let your past criminal records destroy your immigration case . . .