If you have never heard of the term “crimmigration,” it’s a mashup of “criminal” and “migration.” Originally, the criminal courts dealt solely with those charges defendants face in California state courts, and immigration law focused solely on laws affecting immigrants’ rights to work and live legally here in the United States.
Recent changes to immigration laws have led to the crossroads of these two forms of law — and the results can be confusing to many who have emigrated here from foreign lands.
Why these changes matter so much
In the past, many immigrants’ criminal charges did not automatically result in deportation. However, these changes have caused some immigrants to face deportation for misdemeanor convictions (and even trumped-up charges). That is why it is so vital to vigorously defend oneself in the criminal court system here in California.
Criminal charges lead to confusion and risk
Even for United States citizens, there are many challenges associated with building a strong defense to criminal charges. For immigrants, convictions on criminal charges can break up families by causing job losses and deportation proceedings to be initiated.
Those facing charges may not yet be fluent in English. Even with the assistance of court translators, it is increasingly difficult to understand the court proceedings and the chilling effect that any convictions can have on defendants’ immigration status and right to seek work.
Where to turn in troubled times
When your life and the lives of any dependents and spouse hang in the balance, there is nothing like having a stalwart defense to any criminal charges in the state of California. That can definitely make a difference when an acquittal is necessary to remain here in the USA.
Invest in yourself. Seek the services of a knowledgeable legal professional to defend you against criminal charges and fight to remain legally eligible to live and work in the United States.