Consequences of Criminal Convictions for Immigrants
June 11, 2020
A criminal conviction can upend a person’s life in a matter of seconds. While anyone who is charged with a crime could be facing a lengthy jail sentence and monetary fines, the consequences are even steeper for undocumented immigrants or those who have overstayed their Visa. Both the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and Immigration and Nationality Act outline the different offenses that might result in an individual’s’ deportation. Find out what these include and how an experienced defense attorney can help below.
Which Crimes Can Lead to Deportation?
In New Jersey, individuals could be facing deportation if they are convicted of any of the following offenses:
- Weapons violations, including the illegal purchasing, carrying, owning or selling of a firearm.
- Aggravated felonies including murder, rape, drug trafficking, money laundering over $10,000, sexual abuse of a minor, obstruction of justice, racketeering and more.
- Drug convictions under state or U.S. law
- Multiple convictions of two or more crimes that involve moral turpitude. The Board of Immigration Appeals defines a crime of moral turpitude as one that is generally done with a reckless or vile intent. As such, crimes of murder, rape, robbery and sexual abuse of a minor are considered to be crimes of moral turpitude.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Deportation?
If you’re facing deportation, it’s important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. It’s important to remember that there are options available to you. For example, individuals facing deportation who have already been convicted can apply for what’s known as post-conviction relief. This is a legal process in which a an individual can seek to adjust or vacate their conviction based on the following grounds:
- Lack of jurisdiction
- Ineffective assistance of counsel
- Illegal sentencing
- Newly discovered evidence
Of course, the best way to avoid negative immigration consequences is to not be convicted in the first place. If you’re an immigrant who was charged with a crime, contact the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio as soon as possible. Mr. Vecchio will aggressively defend your rights to make sure they are protected. Schedule a consultation today.
Contact an Experienced Princeton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Criminal Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with criminal charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. It is also possible that you could face deportation, depending on your immigration status. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Anthony J. Vecchio have successfully represented clients charged with criminal charges in Woodbridge, Princeton, Freehold, Mount Laurel and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 334-7468 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 309 Fellowship Road, East Gate Center, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054, as well as offices located in Freehold, Jersey City, and Princeton, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
