{"id":352765,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/can-you-get-deported-for-a-misdemeanor.html"},"modified":"2025-09-12T14:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T19:50:04","slug":"can-you-get-deported-for-a-misdemeanor","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/can-you-get-deported-for-a-misdemeanor.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get Deported for a Misdemeanor?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Can You Get Deported for a Misdemeanor?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/christie-nicholson-j-d\/\">Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 12, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>In some cases, you can get deported for a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span>. The chances increase if the offense qualifies as a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crime of moral turpitude<\/span> or an <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felony<\/span> under <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710579\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710579\">immigration law<\/span>. <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">Deportable<\/span> <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanors<\/span> include theft, fraud, <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710585\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710585\">domestic violence<\/span>, <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710596\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710596\">DUI<\/span>, and drug-related offenses. The 2025 Laken Riley Act also expanded detention authority to include <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710583\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710583\">noncitizens<\/span> who are merely charged with or arrested for certain crimes, not just those convicted.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710579\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710579\">Immigration laws<\/span> in the U.S. give the government the authority to <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deport<\/span> people for a host of reasons. This includes being found guilty of a crime.<\/p>\n<p>So, can any <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710577\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710577\">criminal conviction<\/span>, even a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span>, lead to <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span>? The short answer is yes, especially if the <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span> qualifies as a <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.findlaw.com\/blog\/violently-resisting-arrest-is-a-crime-of-moral-turpitude\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crime of moral turpitude<\/span><\/a>. New laws have made it even easier for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain and <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deport<\/span> immigrants based on their <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710621\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710621\">criminal history<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll discuss what types of <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanors<\/span> could lead to <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span>. It also explains how the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Laken Riley Act<\/a> affects non-citizens with a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710617\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710617\">criminal record<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Becoming a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710580\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710580\">U.S. citizen<\/span> or legal resident isn\u2019t easy. It can take years to achieve legal status, and the last thing anyone wants is to risk <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span>. If you&#8217;re facing criminal charges, it&#8217;s critical to consult a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710602\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710602\">criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/a>. If you\u2019re facing <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span> or have to attend a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710586\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710586\">removal proceeding<\/span>, contact a local <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys\/find-an-immigration-lawyer.html\">immigration attorney<\/a> right away. They can provide confidential guidance regardless of your <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710584\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710584\">immigration status<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Is Subject to <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">Deportation<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>The United States government can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/deportation.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deport<\/span><\/a>\u00a0anyone who violates <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710609\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710609\">U.S. <\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710579\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710579\">immigration laws<\/span>. This applies to people of any <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710584\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710584\">immigration status<\/span>, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710583\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710583\">Non-citizen<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/green-card.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710590\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710590\">green card<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710590\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710590\"> holders<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/immigrants-your-rights-as-a-permanent-resident.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710595\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710595\">Lawful <\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710582\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710582\">permanent residents<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710623\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710623\">Non-immigrant<\/span> visa holders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Naturalized citizens can also face <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span> if their citizenship is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/citizenship\/can-your-u-s-citizenship-be-revoked.html\">revoked through denaturalization<\/a>. However, this is extremely rare. It usually occurs when someone is found to have obtained their citizenship through fraud.<\/p>\n<p>Unless you\u2019re a citizen by birth, you may be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/deportation-basics.html\">subject to removal<\/a> if you\u2019re found guilty of any <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\">deportable<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\"> crime<\/span>. Let\u2019s take a detailed look at what constitutes a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\">deportable<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\"> crime<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>Which <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710589\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710589\">Criminal Offenses<\/span> Are <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\">Deportable<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\"> Crimes<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>The most common violations that result in <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span> are <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710577\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710577\">criminal convictions<\/span> for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/felonies.html\">dangerous felonies<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Murder<\/li>\n<li>Rape<\/li>\n<li>Arson<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The government can begin <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/overview-of-removal-procedures.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710586\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710586\">removal proceedings<\/span><\/a> if the state finds you guilty of some <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span> crimes as well. This doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll automatically have to leave the country if you\u2019re found guilty of a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span>. Federal law stipulates that certain <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span> offenses are considered <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\">deportable<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710626\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710626\"> crimes<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>The government deems people guilty of crimes involving &#8220;moral turpitude&#8221; and <a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/law-library\/the-evolving-definition-of-an-aggravated-felony.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felonies<\/span><\/a> as being subject to <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">Crimes of Moral Turpitude<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/immigration-and-naturalization-law.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710587\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710587\">Immigration and Nationality Act<\/span> (<span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710608\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710608\">INA<\/span>)<\/a> does not explicitly define <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crimes\u00a0of moral turpitude<\/span>. The courts have held that a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crime of moral turpitude<\/span> is an offense\u00a0so reprehensible that it &#8220;shocks the conscience.&#8221; This includes <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710628\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710628\">violent crimes<\/span> and offenses that violate trust.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crimes of moral turpitude<\/span> include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/embezzlement.html\">Embezzlement<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Fraud<\/li>\n<li>Money laundering<\/li>\n<li>Burglary<\/li>\n<li>Armed robbery<\/li>\n<li>Perjury<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/shoplifting.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710607\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710607\">Shoplifting<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Tax evasion<\/li>\n<li>Incest<\/li>\n<li><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710627\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710627\">Drug crimes<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Any crime involving <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710613\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710613\">controlled substances<\/span>, including drugged driving<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710619\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710619\">Driving under the influence<\/span><\/a> (<span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710596\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710596\">DUI<\/span>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710583\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710583\">noncitizen<\/span> and face charges for any of these crimes, consulting a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710602\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710602\">criminal defense<\/span> attorney is probably a good move. Not only will a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710591\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710591\">misdemeanor<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710591\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710591\"> conviction<\/span> result in severe criminal penalties, but it may also lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/deportation-basics.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">Aggravated Felonies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/basic-immigration-laws.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710587\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710587\">Immigration and Nationality Act<\/span><\/a>, the following crimes qualify as <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felonies<\/span> for immigration purposes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Murder<\/li>\n<li><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710616\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710616\">Firearm offenses<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-trafficking-distribution.html\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710601\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710601\">Drug trafficking<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Rape<\/li>\n<li>Theft<\/li>\n<li>Child pornography<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The act also deems any <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710628\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710628\">violent crime<\/span> with a potential penalty of more than one year in prison a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710600\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710600\">deportable<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710600\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710600\"> offense<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Some crimes the <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710608\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710608\">INA<\/span> lists as <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felonies<\/span> can be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/misdemeanors.html\">charged as <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanors<\/span><\/a>. Theft, failure to appear in court under a court order, and certain crimes of violence are <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanors<\/span>. A conviction of any of these crimes may lead to <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Petty offenses with a penalty of less than one year in jail usually do not constitute <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crimes of moral turpitude<\/span>. Keep in mind that if you are found guilty of more than one petty <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710575\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710575\">misdemeanor<\/span>, it may be <a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/law-library\/deportation-and-exclusion.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710612\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710612\">grounds for <\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Other Crimes That May Lead To <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">Deportation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The above crimes are not the only <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710600\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710600\">deportable<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710600\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710600\"> offenses<\/span> under the Immigration and <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710594\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710594\">Naturalization<\/span> Act. Under federal law, a person may face <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span> if they are guilty of other crimes as well.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/uscode.house.gov\/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1227&amp;num=0&amp;edition=prelim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710608\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710608\">INA<\/span><\/a>, a conviction of the following crimes may also make an immigrant <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportable<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/domestic-violence.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710585\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710585\">Domestic violence<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-abuse-overview.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710597\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710597\">Child abuse<\/span> and neglect<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/stalking.html\">Stalking<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/human-trafficking-and-slavery.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710625\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710625\">Human trafficking<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710579\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710579\">Immigration laws<\/span> can be confusing, especially for people who aren\u2019t familiar with American law. Speaking with either a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710602\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710602\">criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/a> or an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys.html?fli=dcta\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710593\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710593\">immigration lawyer<\/span><\/a> after an arrest should be one of the first things you do.<\/p>\n<h2>The Laken Riley Act of 2025<\/h2>\n<p>In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/courtside\/will-immigration-law-change-after-the-murder-of-laken-riley\/\">Laken Riley Act<\/a>. The act was named for a young girl named Laken Riley, who was killed in 2024 by Jose Antonio Ibarra.<\/p>\n<p>Ibarra <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/criminal-defense\/is-illegal-immigration-a-crime-improper-entry-v-unlawful-presence\/\">entered the country illegally<\/a> from Venezuela in September 2022. He lived in New York City for a time, where he was facing charges for driving without a license and for acting toward a minor in a way that was deemed likely to cause injury.<\/p>\n<p>Ibarra left New York and moved to Athens, Georgia, where he was arrested for theft. While the charges were pending against him, he killed Riley through blunt force trauma to the head and asphyxiation. The state convicted him of aggravated assault and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/felony-murder.html\">felony murder<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The rationale behind the Laken Riley Act was that, had the government detained or deported Ibarra while the <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710598\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710598\">criminal charges<\/span> in New York and Georgia were pending, he would not have had the opportunity to kill Riley.<\/p>\n<p>The Laken Riley Act (LRA) was not the first law to require the detention of immigrants with a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710621\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710621\">criminal history<\/span>. In 1996, Congress passed the <a href=\"https:\/\/immigrationhistory.org\/item\/1996-illegal-immigration-reform-and-immigrant-responsibility-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act<\/a> (IIRIRA). This law gave the federal government, through ICE, the authority to detain immigrants with a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710617\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710617\">criminal record<\/span> without bail during their immigration proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>The IIRIRA only applied to immigrants who allegedly committed or were guilty of <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.findlaw.com\/blog\/supreme-court-rules-in-immigration-aggravated-felony-case\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felonies<\/span><\/a>. Prior to this 1996 law, the following crimes qualified as <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felonies<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Murder<\/li>\n<li><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710601\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710601\">Drug trafficking<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Illicit firearm trafficking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The IIRIRA expanded the definition of <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710576\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710576\">aggravated felonies<\/span> to include any crime punishable by more than one year in jail or prison.<\/p>\n<p>The Laken Riley Act of 2025 went a step further. It states that anyone who commits a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710578\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710578\">crime of moral turpitude<\/span> or theft-related crime is subject to detention\u00a0without\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/bail-bonds.html\">bail or bond<\/a>\u00a0during immigration proceedings.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier laws limited the government\u2019s power to detain immigrants convicted of specific crimes. The LRA expanded the government\u2019s authority to include the following <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710583\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710583\">noncitizens<\/span>, regardless of their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-overview\/immigration-faqs.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710584\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710584\">immigration status<\/span><\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>People facing <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710598\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710598\">criminal charges<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Someone who confessed or admitted that they had committed a crime<\/li>\n<li>A person with a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710621\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710621\">criminal history<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Someone arrested for a crime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The LRA also allowed the IIRIRA to include additional crimes, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Drunk driving (<span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710596\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710596\">DUI<\/span>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/battery-against-a-police-officer.html\">Assault against a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710615\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710615\">law enforcement<\/span> officer<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Any other crime that results in serious bodily injury or death<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Courts That Handle <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">Deportation<\/span> for <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710577\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710577\">Criminal Convictions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the U.S., both criminal and\u00a0<span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710605\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710605\">immigration courts<\/span>\u00a0handle\u00a0<span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span>\u00a0cases\u00a0<span style=\"margin: 0px;padding: 0px\">involving criminal charges or convictions. If the state convicts you of a qualifying crime,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/a> (USCIS) will also intervene<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>In general:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Criminal courts handle the proceedings for the <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710598\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710598\">criminal charge<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710605\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710605\">Immigration courts<\/span> handle <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710586\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710586\">removal proceedings<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cases involving <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span> for a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710577\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710577\">criminal conviction<\/span> first go before a judge in a criminal court. Some portions of the proceedings will also take place in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-overview.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710605\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710605\">immigration court<\/span><\/a> before an immigration judge. This part of the process is called <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710620\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710620\">deportation<\/span><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710620\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710620\"> proceedings<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>You May Need To Consult a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710602\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710602\">Criminal Defense<\/span> Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>When facing <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportation<\/span> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/removal-process.html\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710586\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710586\">removal proceedings<\/span><\/a>, it\u2019s normal to talk to an <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710593\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710593\">immigration lawyer<\/span>. If you&#8217;re facing <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710598\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710598\">criminal charges<\/span>, you should meet with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710602\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710602\">criminal defense<\/span> attorney<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n<p>Your criminal lawyer will work hard to reduce charges and help avoid a conviction. They will also work with your immigration attorney and keep them updated on any developments in your criminal case.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re undocumented or have overstayed your visa, you need to protect yourself. Your lawyer will honor the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/what-is-the-attorney-client-privilege.html\">attorney-client privilege<\/a>. They will not disclose your private information to an outside party, including the U.S. government. Their job, like your <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710593\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710593\">immigration lawyer<\/span>, is to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.<\/p>\n<p>Although misdemeanor crimes are not typically serious offenses, they can still be grounds for removal from the United States.<\/p>\n<h2>An Experienced <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710593\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710593\">Immigration Lawyer<\/span> Can Help<\/h2>\n<p>Determining whether a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710577\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710577\">criminal conviction<\/span> or <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710598\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710598\">criminal charges<\/span> will get you deported can be very complicated, especially since state and federal laws come into play. It\u2019s always a good idea to consult with an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-attorneys.html?fli=dcta\"><span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710611\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710611\">experienced immigration attorney<\/span><\/a> if you are concerned about potential <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710586\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710586\">removal proceedings<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Even if someone is convicted of a crime, that doesn\u2019t guarantee they\u2019ll be removed from the United States. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/forms-of-relief-from-removal.html\">Relief options may be available<\/a> even with a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710574\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710574\">deportable<\/span> conviction.<\/p>\n<p>Everyone\u2019s case is different, and there are no guaranteed outcomes in immigration proceedings or a criminal trial. Getting <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_52710603\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"52710603\">legal advice<\/span> right away offers the best chance of protecting your rights.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of qualified legal advisors in your area. Your search results will also show important details about potential lawyers, including their ratings, contact info, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n            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                 >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    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          class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some people can get a green card or complete immigration forms without hiring legal help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex immigration cases (such as having a criminal history or past immigration violations) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Anyone charged with a serious crime needs a criminal defense attorney, regardless of legal status\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The immigration process can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/immigration-naturalization-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL29\" title=\"Immigration Law Attorney Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n       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FindLaw explains how any criminal conviction can affect your immigration status.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":352763,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2733],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-352765","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-immigration"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=352765"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352765\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":393569,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352765\/revisions\/393569"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/352763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=352765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=352765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=352765"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=352765"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=352765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}