Criminal Conviction Immigration Lawyers in DuPage County

Bensenville Attorneys for Non-U.S. Citizens Facing Criminal Charges

The United States maintains extremely complex laws regarding immigration. Those who come to the United States from other countries are always aware of how various certain factors might affect their ability to remain in the U.S. and their overall immigration status. One common area of concern is being charged with a crime. Undocumented immigrants as well as those who are in the U.S. legally often fail to recognize that a conviction on criminal charges could lead to deportation and removal proceedings.

At Unzueta Law Group, P.C., our experienced lawyers are well-versed in immigration matters. Our team is equipped to help non-U.S. citizens throughout Northern Illinois protect their rights and their legal immigration status.

Effects of Criminal Prosecution on Immigration Status

If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, being convicted of a crime could affect your immigration status and your ability to remain in the country legally. The specific consequences, however, depend on a number of factors including:

• Your current status as a lawful permanent resident or a visa holder;
• How long you have lived in the United States;
• The nature and severity of the charges against you; and
• Any prior criminal record you may have.

It is important to remember that accepting a plea deal, in most cases, is the same as being convicted by a judge or jury. Before you accept any plea agreement or pre-trial diversion program, it is critical for you to know whether your immigration status and benefits will be affected. Once you accept a plea deal and the judgment is entered, you cannot reverse the decision when you discover that your immigration benefits have been impacted.

Even pursuing an expungement or sealed record will not help your immigration case. An expungement, in fact, will cause more harm than good because the expungement might make it harder to show the circumstances of the original prosecution.

Elk Grove Village Lawyers Who Understand the Bigger Picture

If you have been charged with a deportable crime, you need a law firm on your side with experience in both criminal matters and immigration policies. At Unzueta Law Group, P.C., we have the experience necessary to serve immigrants and their families in Northern Illinois. We understand that a conviction could lead to your removal from the United States—a result that could be devastating to your family. Our team will do everything we can to help you avoid a conviction and to remain legally in the United States.

Our lawyers are also equipped to help those who have already been convicted of a deportable crime. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be options available to you, such as having the conviction vacated or convincing immigration officials that you should not be removed from the country. We will work with you in exploring all avenues of relief and help you choose the best course of action.

Let Us Help

For more information about criminal convictions and how they can affect your immigration status, contact our office. Call 630-509-2363 for a confidential consultation and case review at Unzueta Law Group, P.C. today. Our firm represents clients in Bensenville, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, DuPage County, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.