Immigration Consequences of Criminal Charges
A “good deal” in criminal court can be a disaster in immigration court.
Victoria Barr Law defends you on both fronts.
The “Crimmigration” Danger Zone
[cite_start]
Most standard criminal defense attorneys just want to keep you out of jail[cite: 1]. [cite_start]But for non-citizens, avoiding jail isn’t enough—you need to avoid inadmissibility and deportability[cite: 1].
[cite_start]
Under the Padilla v. Kentucky standard, you have a right to know exactly how a criminal charge impacts your immigration status[cite: 1]. [cite_start]At Victoria Barr Law, PLLC, we analyze the specific immigration consequences of your charge and negotiate pleas that protect your American Dream[cite: 1].
High-Risk Offenses for Immigrants
-
[cite_start]
- DWI & DUI Defense: A simple DWI usually isn’t a deportation trigger—until it is[cite: 1]. [cite_start]We fight to ensure your charge doesn’t include “aggravating factors” that alert ICE[cite: 1].
- Crimes of Moral Turpitude (CIMT): Crimes like theft, fraud, or domestic violence are heavily penalized[cite: 1]. [cite_start]Even a probation sentence here can strip you of your Green Card[cite: 1]. [cite_start]We fight to reduce these to “safe” offenses like Class C Trespass[cite: 1].
- Drug Offenses: Federal immigration law has zero tolerance for drug offenses, even if Texas law is lenient[cite: 1]. [cite_start]We know the specific plea language required to protect your future[cite: 1].
[cite_start]
[cite_start]
The Expungement Trap: “Cleared” ≠ Safe
[cite_start]
Texas law allows expungement to hide your record from the public, employers, and landlords[cite: 1]. You feel safe. [cite_start]This is a dangerous illusion[cite: 1].
[cite_start]
USCIS does not honor state-level expungements[cite: 1]. [cite_start]DHS agents view original arrest reports, original pleas, and probation records[cite: 1]. [cite_start]If an immigration form asks if you have ever been arrested, and you answer “No” because of an expungement, it is often flagged as Visa Fraud, triggering a permanent ban[cite: 1].
[cite_start]
Our Solution: We request full FBI background checks, analyze the original court documents, and provide strategic disclosure guidance so you don’t fall into the fraud trap[cite: 1].
Post-Conviction Relief
Did your previous lawyer fail to warn you? [cite_start]If your prior attorney did not explain immigration consequences, we file Habeas Corpus and Padilla motions to reopen old cases and fight to vacate the conviction[cite: 1].
Protect Your Record. Protect Your Residency.
[cite_start]
We serve immigrants facing criminal charges across Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, Frisco, and all of North Texas[cite: 1].