Criminal Charges Can Affect Your Immigration Status

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, even if you are a lawful permanent resident, you can be deported or have your application to adjust status or other immigration petition denied if you have a minor criminal conviction. Three categories of crimes can place you at risk for deportation, or can prevent you from becoming a lawful permanent resident, or U.S. citizen:

• Aggravated felonies – state laws vary and even common misdemeanors can fall under this category
• Crimes of moral turpitude – encompasses both felonies and misdemeanors, including crimes such as burglary, theft, assault, and forgery
• Crimes defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act – includes crimes relating to controlled substances, domestic violence, and weapons

Lei Jiang Law Firm represents people in the Cleveland area who are facing criminal charges.  We are experienced in criminal and immigration matters and will give your situation the personalized attention it deserves.  We will tell you the implications of your charge, including both criminal consequences and immigration consequences.  We will represent you during arraignment, negotiations with the prosecutor, pretrial hearings, and trials before the judge. 

If you already have a criminal conviction and want to know if it will affect your immigration status, please contact us too.  We will counsel you on your charge and help you if it can be expunged.