The costs for criminal defense lawyers in California can differ based on the complexity of your case, the severity of the charges, and the lawyer’s experience. Less complicated cases might be on the lower end, but serious felony charges or those with immigration implications could be more due to the additional work and resources needed. Many attorneys offer consultations to assess your case and provide a cost estimate for representation.
Orange County Criminal Charges & Immigration Lawyer
Criminal Charges & Immigration Attorney In Orange County, CA
Being charged with a crime is scary enough, but when your immigration status is also at risk, the consequences could not be more severe. Even seemingly inconsequential convictions can have serious immigration consequences, such as deportation, denial of naturalization, or permanent inadmissibility to the U.S. This is why it is so important to have an experienced Orange County criminal charges and immigration lawyer on your side who is well-versed in the law.
Criminal cases are handled in one of four primary Orange County courthouses: the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, the West Justice Center in Westminster, the North Justice Center in Fullerton, and the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. An Orange County criminal charges & immigration attorney with local experience in these courts, judges, and prosecutors can make a difference in how your case is handled and whether immigration consequences can be lessened.
About Goodman Criminal Litigation
The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman is a highly experienced criminal defense law firm known for fearlessly defending clients in court, as well as protecting their immigration status. For over three decades, Jacqueline Goodman has been at the forefront of the most complex and high-profile criminal cases, building a strong reputation for protecting the rights of the accused.
FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES?
Attorney Goodman handles a wide variety of criminal cases and accused crimes. Don’t see your charges below? Contact us for a consultation.
How Immigration Law and Criminal Law Intersect
California criminal courts prosecute all types of charges, including DUI, drug possession, violent felonies, and sex crimes. While U.S. citizens could face jail time, fines, or probation upon conviction of a crime, non-citizens face the added immigration consequence of potential removal from the U.S. under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for a conviction of even a misdemeanor.
Under 8 U.S.C. 1227, a person can face deportation due to past criminal convictions, including crimes of moral turpitude as well as aggravated felonies, drug offenses, firearm offenses, and domestic violence.
8 U.S.C. § 1182 also prohibits a non-citizen from entry if the person has certain criminal records, even if the person was never sentenced to any time in prison. The practical effect of this law is that an Orange County Superior Court charge could place lawful permanent residents, visa holders, and undocumented persons in danger of losing everything they have built in this country.
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- Former client’s parents
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- Former Client
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Common Criminal Charges That Can Impact Immigration
Some crimes in Orange County have more serious immigration consequences than others. An Orange County attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law can help you understand how your charges may impact your immigration case. Some of the most common criminal charges that can impact immigration include:
- Drug crimes: This can include drug possession, distribution, or trafficking. In 2023, there were 19,654 drug offenses in California.
- Domestic violence: These crimes are considered deportable because they are considered crimes of moral turpitude. In 2023, there were 160,357 domestic violence-related calls for assistance in California.
- Sex crimes: Many sex crimes are treated as serious felonies and can result in deportation. In 2023, there were 13,723 reported rapes in California.
- Certain DUIs: Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a crime. While this may not result in immediate deportation in and of itself, the presence of aggravating factors may jeopardize a person’s immigration status, such as a DUI resulting in the injury or death of another person.
All criminal defense cases are different. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, they can help you understand immigration laws and how they relate to your situation.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are not a U.S. citizen, every criminal charge must be evaluated from both a criminal and immigration perspective. An attorney without immigration knowledge may be able to secure a lesser sentence, but you could end up in deportation proceedings.
Attorneys who understand both criminal and immigration law can negotiate results, maintaining your status and fighting penalty-enhancing measures while seeking post-conviction relief options. The right lawyer can mean the difference between staying in California and facing permanent deportation.
CRIMINAL CHARGES & IMMIGRATION LAWS FAQ'S
Orange County, CA
Contact Goodman Criminal Litigation
If you were charged with a crime and fear your immigration status may be in jeopardy, hire a criminal defense lawyer at Goodman Criminal Litigation today. We can help you fight for your future in this country. Contact us today to get started.