Criminal Defense Attorney

What Crimes Can Result in Removal?

Many immigrants incorrectly believe that only serious felony crimes will result in deportation. Because of this bad legal advice, they might suddenly find enforcement officers from the Department of Homeland Security at their door. The truth is that convictions for most felonies and many misdemeanor criminal offenses can result in removal (deportation) proceedings.

Learn Your Rights

To maintain your permanent resident status, or to avoid being deported if you are in the U.S. illegally, contact the criminal defense and immigration lawyers of Litman Law Firm, P.C. We represent clients in the Denver, Colorado metro area and statewide.

Deportable Criminal Offenses

A conviction for one of the criminal offenses listed below can result in you or your family member being deported. Conviction means that you pled guilty in court or that you were found guilty by a judge or jury or plead “no contest”. Before you plead guilty, let an experienced attorney from Litman Law Firm, P.C. review your case and determine if your immigration status would be in danger.

• Serious felonies — Rape, robbery, and murder are punishable by lifetime deportation.
• Domestic violence — Assault or battery against a spouse, girlfriend, or family member. This includes kicking, hitting, shoving, or threats of violence, as well as harassment of an ex-wife or partner. If the criminal charge alleges use of a weapon or great bodily harm (aggravated assault), you could face permanent removal.
• Assault and battery — A fight or attack resulting in great harm.
• Theft — Shoplifting, burglary, or felony theft. You can be deported even for stealing food or clothing.
• Drug crimes — Possession of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or any drugs (including legal medications without a prescription) is a deportable offense. Drug distribution (selling drugs or trafficking) is an aggravated felony that can result in permanent removal.
• Fraud — Theft by deception (including check fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, or public benefits fraud), or using fake documents or a fake ID such as a driver’s license.
• Traffic offenses — Certain serious traffic offenses can also lead to deportation.

Using a fake ID is a felony and can hurt your ability to get a green card, but a judge has the ability to grant a waiver in some circumstances. It is also important that you understand the severe implications of aggravated felony charges and the lifetime deportation. If you are deported for drug trafficking, for instance, and illegally re-enter the U.S., you can be sentenced to several years in prison on conviction.

What Happens If I’m Charged with a Deportable Criminal Offense?

You will be arrested, and the Department of Homeland Security (ICE) will likely place a hold on you until your removal hearing, unless you post an immigration bond to get out of jail while your case is pending. Our goal is to secure your freedom and buy time in your deportation proceedings, so that you can fight your criminal case with dignity, as a free person.

Contact Attorney Now

Contact Litman Law Firm, P.C.for immediate legal representation and to discuss your rights and possible consequences. Our attorneys and staff speak Spanish, and we assist immigrants from all countries.