If you are facing criminal charges and you are not a U.S. citizen, your freedom and your immigration status may both be at risk. Even a relatively minor criminal offense can lead to deportation, denial of a green card, or barriers to becoming a U.S. citizen.
At Lluis Law, our attorneys understand the complex immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Our firm combines criminal defense and immigration knowledge to protect both your legal rights and your ability to remain in the United States.
With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, attorneys Ramiro J. Lluis and David A. Lluis have represented clients throughout Los Angeles in cases where criminal charges and immigration law intersect.
Our team is proud to serve the Latino community and immigrants from around the world with bilingual legal services in English and Spanish.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, immediate legal guidance is critical.
Call (213) 687-4412 Today for a Confidential Consultation
Why You Need a Crimmigration Lawyer, Not Just a Criminal Attorney
When criminal law and immigration law intersect, the legal landscape becomes far more complicated. This area of law is commonly called crimmigration, where a criminal charge can trigger serious immigration consequences.
Not every criminal defense lawyer understands how crimes affecting immigration status can impact a person’s future in the United States.
A plea agreement that seems minor in criminal court may lead to deportation or make someone permanently inadmissible under immigration law.
Potential immigration consequences of criminal convictions include:
- Removal or deportation proceedings
- Inadmissibility when applying for a visa or green card
- Denial of naturalization or citizenship
- Loss of immigration benefits or adjustment of status
The wrong legal strategy can cost you the opportunity to stay in the United States. Working with a crimmigration lawyer who understands both areas of law can make a critical difference in your case.
At Lluis Law, we build defense strategies that consider both the criminal case and the immigration consequences from the start.
Crimes Affecting the Immigration Status
Many immigrants are surprised to learn that certain criminal charges can have severe immigration consequences. Even offenses that appear minor under California law can create long-term problems with immigration status.
Below are some common criminal charges that may affect immigration status:
Drug Offenses
Drug-related convictions can trigger deportation and may make someone permanently inadmissible.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence offenses often carry severe immigration consequences and may lead to removal proceedings.
Theft and Fraud
Crimes involving moral turpitude, such as fraud or theft, can affect green card eligibility and future immigration benefits.
Assault and Violent Crimes
Violent crimes can lead to deportation or classification as an aggravated felony.
DUI in Certain Circumstances
DUI offenses combined with other factors may create immigration complications.
Cleaning your criminal record
It is possible to legally clear your criminal record completely. Let us know your specific case to offer you the best alternatives. This is one of the most common inquiries and services at our California criminal defense firm.
The immigration consequences of criminal convictions may include:
- Deportation from the United States
- Inadmissibility when applying for immigration benefits
- Bars to naturalization
- Denial of adjustment of status
Because the stakes are so high, early legal intervention is critical. The right strategy can sometimes prevent immigration damage before it happens.
The California Penal Code contemplates a multitude of crimes for which you can find support at our firm.
Our Strategy: Protecting Both Your Freedom and Your Status
At Lluis Law, our approach focuses on protecting two things at the same time: your freedom and your immigration status.
Our legal strategy begins with a detailed review of the criminal charges and the potential immigration consequences. From there, we develop a defense plan designed to reduce or eliminate immigration risks whenever possible.
Our criminal immigration defense approach may include:
- Early case intervention to address immigration risks before charges escalate
- Negotiating charges that avoid deportation triggers where possible
- Post-conviction relief strategies when immigration issues arise after a conviction
- Motions to vacate that challenge convictions, creating immigration damage
- Coordination between criminal and immigration defense strategies
Our firm provides representation in:
- California criminal courts
- Immigration court proceedings
- Appeals and post-conviction motions
Clients work directly with experienced attorneys who carefully review every case. We do not delegate important legal decisions to inexperienced staff.
We also provide bilingual legal services in English and Spanish, helping clients clearly understand their legal options during stressful situations.
Our office is located in downtown Los Angeles, near major criminal and immigration courts, allowing us to respond quickly when urgent legal issues arise.
What Happens If You Are Already Convicted?
A criminal conviction does not always mean that immigration options are gone. In some situations, legal remedies may still be available.
Possible post-conviction strategies include:
- Filing a motion to vacate a conviction if legal errors occurred
- Seeking appeals or post-conviction relief in criminal court
- Exploring immigration waivers in limited circumstances
- Developing removal defense strategies in immigration court
Every case is different, and timing can be critical. If you have already been convicted and are concerned about your immigration status, it is important to speak with an attorney before removal proceedings begin.
Early legal action may provide more options to protect your future.
Why Choose Lluis Law for Criminal Immigration Defense
Choosing the right attorney can make a major difference when criminal charges threaten your immigration status.
Clients trust Lluis Law because of our experience and commitment to immigrant communities in Los Angeles.
Our firm offers:
- 50+ years of combined legal experience
- Extensive litigation experience in Los Angeles courts
- Knowledge of both criminal defense and immigration law
- Deep commitment to immigrant families and the Latino community
- Representation in complex criminal and immigration cases
- Flexible payment options for many cases
- Direct access to experienced attorneys
Our team understands the fears many immigrant families face when dealing with criminal charges. We work closely with our clients to provide clear guidance, strong legal defense, and practical solutions.
What Our Clients Say
Many of our clients come to us during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their testimonials reflect the dedication and compassion our attorneys bring to every case.
Contact a Trusted Crimmigration Lawyer Now
If you are facing criminal charges and you are not a U.S. citizen, do not accept a plea agreement without understanding the immigration consequences.
You should also avoid speaking with law enforcement or immigration authorities without legal representation.
A criminal conviction can affect your immigration status permanently. Acting quickly can help protect both your freedom and your future in the United States.
Contact Lluis Law today to speak with an experienced criminal immigration lawyer in Los Angeles and schedule a confidential consultation.
