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Criminal Charges & Immigration Status: Why You Need a Criminal Immigration Attorney in LA
Facing immigration consequences from a criminal charge? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of immigrants in Los Angeles face the terrifying reality of deportation because of criminal accusations—many for offenses they didn’t realize could affect their immigration status.
In this guide, we break down what a criminal immigration attorney does, how recent 2025 law changes could impact your case, and why it’s critical to hire an attorney who specializes in navigating the complexities of immigration law, particularly when it intersects with criminal matters.
Table of Contents
- What Does a Criminal Immigration Attorney Do?
- Recent 2025 Immigration & Criminal Law Updates
- Types of Criminal Charges That Can Affect Immigration Status
- How Attorneys Help Prevent Deportation
- Why Hire a Lawyer for Immigration-Criminal Cases
- Final Words & How Aftalion Law Group Can Help
What Does a Criminal Immigration Attorney Do?
A criminal immigration attorney specializes in the intersection of two high-stakes areas: criminal law and immigration law. When non-citizens are arrested or charged, they often don’t realize a conviction—even for a misdemeanor—can lead to serious consequences like detention, denial of green cards, or removal proceedings.
An experienced attorney helps you:
- Understand whether your charges trigger immigration issues
- Build a criminal defense that avoids deportation
- Challenge removability and inadmissibility claims
- Represent you in both criminal court and immigration court
Recent 2025 Immigration & Criminal Law Updates
In 2025, legal reforms and enforcement crackdowns have made it more important than ever to retain legal counsel:
🚨 Laken Riley Act (2025)
This newly enacted federal law mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of certain crimes—even before trial. It intensifies ICE enforcement and strips discretionary release from many judges.
⚖️ State-Level Laws in CA
California maintains sanctuary policies; the state is under increasing pressure from federal agencies to assist in deportations tied to criminal charges.
📉 Post-Conviction Relief Standards Tightened
Changes in federal court interpretations have made it harder to overturn prior convictions that lead to deportation. Criminal immigration attorneys are now focusing more on plea negotiations than appeals.
Types of Criminal Charges That Can Affect Immigration Status
Not all crimes lead to deportation—but many do. The following types are especially risky:
- Crimes of Moral Turpitude (CIMTs): Theft, fraud, domestic violence
- Drug Offenses: Even marijuana-related charges
- Aggravated Felonies: Includes serious crimes and surprisingly minor offenses like tax fraud or burglary
- Firearm Offenses: Gun possession and trafficking
- DUIs with Aggravating Factors: Especially if someone is injured or it’s a repeat offense
Even a plea deal can trigger removal proceedings if not carefully negotiated. That’s why having a criminal immigration attorney is critical—they understand both systems.
How Attorneys Help Prevent Deportation
An attorney who specializes in criminal immigration law uses legal strategies to:
- Reduce or Modify Charges: Negotiate non-deportable plea agreements
- Suppress Evidence: Challenge unlawful arrests or confessions
- Request Post-Conviction Relief: Vacate prior convictions that now threaten immigration status
- Argue for Waivers: Including 212(h) waivers or asylum protections
- Fight for Release from Detention: Through bond hearings or ICE appeals
They also prepare you for immigration consequences before any criminal court decisions are made—something a regular defense attorney may overlook.
Why Hire a Lawyer
Here’s why you should work with a criminal immigration attorney in Los Angeles:
✅ They Specialize in Complex Overlapping Laws
Immigration and criminal law are dense—and how they interact is even more complicated. A specialist knows how one wrong move could lead to deportation.
✅ They Understand Local & Federal Enforcement Patterns
Laws may be federal, but enforcement varies by city and state. Attorneys in LA understand the local ICE priorities and how to work with—or around—them.
✅ They Protect Your Future
From green card applications to citizenship dreams, a criminal charge can derail your life. Your lawyer works to protect not just your present, but your future in the U.S.
✅ They Fight for the Best Outcome
Whether it’s dismissal, reduced charges, or relief from removal, they fight hard—and smart—for every legal advantage
Final Words: Secure the Right Defense Today
The legal landscape is more aggressive than ever in 2025. If you’re an immigrant in Los Angeles, CA and facing criminal charges—or fear past ones might jeopardize your immigration status—don’t wait. Your future could depend on how quickly and effectively you act.
At Aftalion Law Group, we specialize in navigating the complexities of immigration law, particularly when it intersects with criminal matters. Our legal team brings powerful defense strategies tailored to your case, protecting you from detention, denial of status, or deportation.
Schedule your confidential consultation today. Call us or visit www.aftalionlaw.com to get the legal defense you deserve.
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