Many immigrants worry that a past mistake will ruin their future in the United States. If you or someone you know has a criminal record, you may feel scared about immigration consequences like detention or deportation.
The good news is that having a criminal history does not always mean you will be deported. In many cases, there are legal strategies that can help protect your immigration status.
At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers, we understand both immigration law and criminal defense. These two areas of law often work together, and having the right legal guidance can make a big difference.
If you know an immigrant with a criminal history, help may still be available.
When someone who is not a U.S. citizen is arrested or convicted of a crime, it can affect their immigration status. Immigration authorities review criminal records to decide if a person can:
The immigration system is managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other federal agencies.
Some crimes may cause serious immigration problems, while others may have solutions depending on the case.
Some offenses that may affect immigration status include:
Even charges that seem small can have immigration consequences. That’s why it’s important to talk to an immigration attorney who understands criminal defense.
Criminal law and immigration law overlap in many situations. This area is often called “crimmigration.”
A criminal case might affect:
An experienced immigration attorney with experience in criminal law can review the criminal record and determine possible legal options.
Sometimes lawyers may help with:
Every case is different, but having the right strategy matters.
Some immigrants may qualify for expungement or record relief depending on state law.
Expungement means the court removes or seals certain criminal records. While this does not always erase immigration consequences, it can sometimes help improve a case.
An immigration attorney can explain:
Immigration law is complicated, especially when criminal history is involved. One mistake in a criminal case can create serious immigration consequences.
This is why it is important to speak with a lawyer before accepting a plea deal or making decisions in court.
The right legal guidance can help protect your future.
Sometimes yes. It depends on the type of crime, how long ago it happened, and other details of the case.
Not always. Immigration authorities may still review the original case, but expungement can sometimes help depending on the situation.
Yes. Even a small charge can affect immigration status, so it is important to get legal advice right away.
If you know an immigrant who has been arrested or has a criminal record, do not assume their immigration case is over.
At Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers, we understand the connection between criminal defense and immigration law, and we help clients find solutions whenever possible.
📞 Call us today at 630-345-4164 to discuss your case.
Our team will review your situation and help you understand your options.
🌐 Serving clients from 8 office locations:
Oak Brook • Waukegan • Elgin • Orland Park • Berwyn • Aurora • Joliet • Chicago (Beverly)
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
