Experienced Representation in Immigration Violations and Criminal Offenses by Non-Citizens

In addition to a jail term, fines and other criminal penalties, a non-citizen who is convicted of a crime may face the devastating prospect of deportation or removal from the United States. It is for this reason that Legal Permanent Residents, visa-holders and illegal aliens should carefully consider the immigration consequences of a criminal conviction by way of a plea agreement.

The Grand Rapids immigration crime attorneys at Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC have years of experience defending non-citizens and, with the consent of our clients, will consult with immigration attorneys about the impact of a conviction on your immigration status.  At Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC, we carefully consider how your criminal charges may impact your legal status in the United States.

Crimes Involving “Moral Turpitude”

A non-citizen who is convicted of committing a crime involving “moral turpitude” within five years of the date of any entry into the United States, and who was sentenced to or served at least one year in jail, may be subject to deportation. In addition, a non-citizen who is convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude at any point after entry into the country, regardless of the sentence, may be deportable. Even some misdemeanors can trigger the harsh consequence of deportation proceedings under this latter category.

The statutory definition of crimes involving moral turpitude is vague, but generally includes:

• Crimes against the government — including bribery, counterfeiting, fraud, perjury and tax evasion
• Crimes against property — such as arson, blackmail, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, larceny, robbery and theft
• Crimes against people — for example, assault, bigamy, kidnapping, lewdness, manslaughter, murder, prostitution and rape

Aggravated Felony Charges

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) lists aggravated felonies for which a conviction can result in deportation, including:

• Murder
• Drug trafficking
• Firearms trafficking
• Money laundering
• Crimes of violence
• Crimes of theft
• Kidnapping
• Child pornography
• Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act violations
• Human trafficking and prostitution
• Alien smuggling
• Disclosing classified information, treason and other national security violations
• Fraud or tax evasion with losses exceeding $200,000

Drug Offenses

Most drug offenses put aliens at risk of deportation. The U.S. government makes an exception if a non-citizen is convicted of a single charge of possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana intended for personal use.

Our Grand Rapids federal criminal lawyers keep your immediate and long-term repercussions in mind as we advocate for the best possible outcomes — in both the criminal justice system and the immigration agencies and courts.

Learn more from our Experienced Criminal Defense /Immigration Crime Lawyers

If you are a non-citizen charged with a crime or an immigration violation, call Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC’s Grand Rapids office at (616) 458-5500 or our Fremont office at(231) 924-8700 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.