As an immigrant, both in New Orleans and the rest of the United States, you may feel as though you are always being watched so you try to avoid law enforcement at all costs–even if you aren’t doing anything illegal. In the event you find yourself in trouble with the law, what are the potential negative consequences as an immigrant you face as a result of a criminal charge? If you are an immigrant living in the United States on a Green Card, non-immigrant Visa, or permanent resident status, and you are charged with a crime it is best that you immediately contact an experienced New Orleans attorney to help you through your case and protect your immigration status.
Two Types of Criminal Charges That Can Negatively Impact Your Immigration Status
Aggravated Felony
An aggravated felony is a serious criminal charge that may include acts of violence, drugs, firearms, sexual crimes and grand theft.
Crime of Moral Turpitude
A crime of moral turpitude is oftentimes considered a misdemeanor, but can also be considered a felony, and involves an act or behavior that lacks morality such as fraud, drug possession, shoplifting, and sometimes assault and battery.
Negative Consequences Related to Your Criminal Charge
If you are charged and convicted with either an aggravated felony or a crime of moral turpitude, you may face deportation or be denied future entry into the United States. If you have made a life in the United States with a family, a job, and a home, then this may be the worst possible consequence you can think of for your criminal act. Another negative consequence for an immigrant being convicted of a crime in Louisiana or in Federal Court, is the fact that you can become barred from receiving asylum status. This consequence can occur as a result of a conviction from an aggravated felony. Reporting and completing the necessary paperwork is required in order to potentially save your immigration status.
Criminal Convictions and Immigration Applications
Almost all applications for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services require security clearances and/or fingerprints as a part of the application process. After submitting your immigration application, the CIS will determine whether you have any criminal convictions in the United States, even if they occurred many years ago. A criminal conviction will be considered if you were found guilty or admitted sufficient facts of your guilt and you have been punished in some form for your actions. This is why it is important to obtain an immigration lawyer or criminal lawyer if you are charged with a crime in the state of Louisiana. Your criminal defense lawyer will fight for to ensure that you are not convicted of a crime that can either result in deportation or the inability to ever become a United States citizen.
Contacting a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with a crime that you believe may affect your immigration status, or your immigration application for United States citizenship, then feel free to Contact Me or phone at (504) 264-9492 or (866) 459-4478. I am happy to offer a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans.