Consequences of Arrests and Criminal Convictions

If you are trying to obtain citizenship or permanent resident status in the United States, the application process requires an inquiry into your character. Any arrests and criminal convictions in your past may be of consequence. Those with arrests or criminal convictions may be denied entry into the United States, or lead to deportation from the United States. For immigrants to the U.S. an arrest or criminal conviction could mean the end of their stay in the country. If you are arrested or facing a criminal conviction, you need a Nevada immigration lawyer who can help you navigate both the criminal justice system and protect your immigration status. The Nevada immigration lawyers at Janda Law can help you.

  • Our experienced immigration attorneys represent clients in all types of immigration cases, even the most complex cases.
  • We understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and how it can impact your immigration status and will help protect your immigration status while fighting your criminal case.
  • At the Janda Law Firm, you are assured of open and sincere communication with your attorney. You will always be in direct contact with your attorney to ask any questions or share any concerns that you may have.

If you or a family member have been arrested or are facing a criminal conviction, our team of experienced immigration lawyers can help you. Call us today at 702-758-8888 to schedule your free consultation.

Grounds for Inadmissibility and Deportation

If you are applying for entry into the U.S. certain crimes may make you ineligible for admission into the U.S. If you are already in the U.S., certain crimes may be grounds for deportation. 

Crimes for inadmissibility

The following crimes or categories of crimes are grounds for refusing admission into the U.S.:

  • Crimes involving moral turpitude
  • Crimes involving controlled substances
  • Multiple criminal convictions aggregating 5 or more years of confinement
  • Drug trafficking
  • Prostitution
  • Human trafficking
  • Money laundering

Crimes for Deportation

The following crimes or categories of crimes are grounds for deportation from the U.S.:

  • Crimes involving moral turpitude
  • Aggravated felonies
  • Multiple criminal convictions
  • High-speed flight
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Controlled substances offenses
  • Firearm offenses
  • Domestic violence offenses
  • Human trafficking offenses

Individuals may be confused about what constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude. Although there is no set definition for the term “crime involving moral turpitude”, the courts have interpreted it in different ways including:

  • Conduct that is inherently vile, or depraved, shocks the public conscience, and goes against generally accepted rules of morality and duties owed to others in society
  • Conduct that involves malicious intention and is contrary to justice, honesty, principle, or good morals
  • Conduct that is inherently fraudulent or involves an intent to defraud

An experienced immigration lawyer will be able to assess your situation and determine whether your activities put you at risk for deportation. Even if your offenses do not result in deportation, they may impact your future ability to change your immigration status or obtain citizenship through naturalization. You should take every encounter with law enforcement seriously and consult with a lawyer to help you wade through the criminal justice system and the immigration consequences.

Let Janda Law Protect Your Rights

If you are trying to change your immigration status, or applying for citizenship through naturalization and you have a criminal record, you should talk to one of the experienced Nevada immigration lawyers at Janda Law. We are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the immigration process, regardless of their past criminal convictions. We offer free consultations and case evaluations. Contact us today at 702-758-8888 to schedule your free consultation.