Minnesota is home to a vibrant, diverse, and sizeable immigrant population. According to the American Immigration Council, approximately 8.8% of the state’s residents are foreign-born, and 4.9 percent of its U.S.-born residents live with at least one immigrant parent. If you are part of Minnesota’s immigrant community – whether you are a visa holder pursuing a degree or career or a permanent resident seeking citizenship – you know you work just as hard, contribute just as much, and want just as badly to build a better life for yourself and your family as your citizen counterparts.
But just like any citizen, however, you can make mistakes or errors in judgment or find yourself suddenly and wrongfully accused of a criminal offense. When that happens, you face the same potential penalties as anyone else – incarceration, fines, and a criminal record, to name a few of the many consequences. But a criminal conviction can also pose an existential threat to your immigration status, including your ability to become a naturalized citizen. Most significantly, a conviction may also place you at risk for deportation and removal from the United States.
That’s because local law enforcement officials and Minnesota prosecutors aren’t the only ones who will be aware of your conviction. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will also be advised of your situation. And what action ICE takes in response depends on the nature and circumstances of your conviction, any previous criminal history, and your current immigration status.
Given that your American Dream hangs in the balance when you face criminal charges, retaining experienced criminal defense counsel as soon as possible is of the utmost importance. Avoiding a conviction is the best way to restore your peace of mind and ensure that you and your family can move forward with your lives with clarity and confidence.
Aggressive Defense For ALL People Facing Criminal Charges
When you face criminal charges as a non-citizen, you face two battles at once: preventing a conviction and preserving your immigration status, including the ability to adjust that status on your journey toward full citizenship. It can be a scary and overwhelming time, given all that is at stake. But there is no need to go it alone.
At F. Clayton Tyler, P.A., we are committed to protecting the rights of all people charged with a crime in Minnesota, regardless of immigration status. We have had the privilege of defending clients who have come here from around the globe to seek a better life, fighting tirelessly to preserve their dreams and their freedom. Please contact us today to arrange for your free, confidential initial consultation.