Criminal charges can feel daunting for anyone, but for non-citizens—especially those involved in deportation proceedings—they can feel even more frightening. Many noncitizens charged with criminal activity find themselves wondering about the impact of criminal charges on Elgin deportation cases.
Understanding that potential impact can help you determine your next steps and make it easier for you to make plans for the future. Talk to a seasoned deportation defense attorney from our firm to learn about your legal options today.
The ultimate impact of criminal charges on deportation cases can depend on the severity of the crime. Some types of crimes can expedite removal from the United States or even cause ICE to initiate deportation proceedings. Most notably, those include:
Each individual’s current immigration status—whether he or she is in the United States on a green card, temporary visa, or other document—will also have an impact on how criminal charges can impact their deportation case in Elgin.
In Elgin, criminal charges can impact deportation cases in several ways. Some of those impacts may depend on whether deportation proceedings have already begun or whether the individual was previously in good standing with the U.S.
Sometimes, criminal charges will mean the beginning of the deportation process. After an individual is charged with a crime, he or she may end up removed from the United States as part or all of the penalty for that offense.
A non-citizen who is already facing deportation proceedings when he or she is charged with a crime may find that criminal charges increase the odds of deportation. Criminal charges may also speed up deportation proceedings or make it more difficult for a noncitizen to show any reason why he or she should stay in the United States.
Sometimes, noncitizens accused or convicted of criminal activity will have to remain in a detention facility while dealing with the trial process. He or she may also have to stay in a detention facility while awaiting deportation. These limitations on personal freedoms can last until the deportation process concludes.
Not only can criminal charges result in removal from the United States, but they can also cause the individual to receive a bar on re-entry, which means he or she cannot return to the United States after deportation. That bar may be temporary, lasting for a set period of time, or the individual may receive a permanent ban that prevents them from ever returning.
If you find yourself facing criminal charges as an immigrant and are worried about deportation, an experienced immigration lawyer could help protect your rights. At Godoy Law Office, we strive to help immigrants make America their home. We provide comprehensive legal representation and advice that can make it easier to navigate the complicated immigration process, fight criminal charges, and more. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.