Criminal Defense for Immigrants: Deportation Risks
If you’re an immigrant caught up in the U.S. legal system, it can lead to multiple consequences and can be downright daunting. If you’re a non-U.S. citizen facing criminal charges in Texas, we can help you. At Tad Nelson & Associates, we specialize in developing effective defense strategies. We know that the stakes are incredibly high and can lead to deportation proceedings.
If you have questions about working with our law firm on your case, feel free to contact us today by calling 281-280-0100. Either our staff or Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock are available around the clock.
The Interplay of Criminal Law and Immigration Status
Non-U.S. citizens, whether permanent residents, visa holders, or undocumented individuals, must be acutely aware that even minor infractions can impact your immigration status. Even misdemeanors can have severe immigration consequences.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), certain criminal convictions can lead to removal proceedings. While the INA outlines broad categories of deportable offenses, Texas law may determine how these categories are applied to specific cases.
Common Offense That Lead to Deportation
There’s a number of criminal offenses that can put an immigrant at risk of deportation following a conviction. We’ve outlined some of the various offenses below.
- Aggravated Felonies: A term deceptively broad, encompassing not only serious crimes but also offenses that Texas law may classify as misdemeanors. This category can include theft, fraud, and even some DUI cases.
- Crimes of Moral Turpitude: A concept often criticized for its vagueness, crimes of moral turpitude generally refer to offenses involving dishonesty or reprehensible conduct. Even a single conviction can lead to deportation.
- Drug-Related Offenses: Texas takes a stringent approach to drug offenses. Convictions, particularly those involving controlled substances, can lead to severe immigration consequences.
Having knowledge of how state & federal law govern these offenses is an important component of effective legal representation. The Texas Penal Code, state & federal case law outline specifics that influence how federal immigration authorities interpret these convictions.
The Right Legal Representation Matters
Effective legal counsel is essential. At Tad Nelson & Associates, led by Board Certified Criminal Law Attorney Tad Nelson, our approach is twofold: aggressively defending the criminal charges while simultaneously implementing strategies to mitigate any threats to your immigration status.
Our team explores avenues such as:
- Plea Bargaining: Negotiating charges to lesser offenses that may not carry the same deportation risks.
- Challenging Evidence: Scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses or constitutional violations.
- Post-Conviction Relief: In some cases, exploring post-conviction strategies to overturn or amend convictions that pose deportation risks.
If you’re reading this, we know your situation is unique. With that in mind, we’ll build a strategy that’s tailored to your specific situation.
Unique Challenges in Texas
Texas’ tough stance on criminal offenses, coupled with the border situation, means immigrants charged with crimes in Texas may face heightened scrutiny.
Understanding specific statutes and how they interact with federal immigration law is an important factor in developing an effective defense.
For instance, Texas’s approach to drug offenses can differ significantly from other states. Often, these differences result in increased penalties and deportation risks.
Moreover, local law enforcement agencies in Texas might have policies that facilitate information sharing with ICE, further complicating matters for immigrants.
Empowering Immigrants through Knowledge and Representation
At Tad Nelson & Associates, we believe in empowering our clients by making the legal process easy to understand. Knowing your rights and the potential implications of your case can be impactful to the outcome of your case.
Our commitment to you extends beyond the courtroom. We prioritize client education to make sure you understand your rights as outlined by Texas law and the Constitution of the United States. This includes affirming your right to due process under the Fifth Amendment and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment.
If you have any questions, we’re available around the clock at 281-280-0100.
Need Help With A Federal Case?
We Represent Immigrants & Citizens
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we take pride in helping our clients avoid the perils of federal immigration policy by providing the best legal defense possible defense while minimizing deportation risks.
Remember, the right legal team can make a significant difference in your case, potentially altering its trajectory and, by extension, your future in the United States.
If you need to speak with an experienced federal criminal law attorney, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates today.
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