|
The US government will deport even long term permanent residents, folks who have been here lawfully for many decades, even when the offense was a misdemeanor under state law. The immigration consequence flowing from a criminal conviction are not always immediately apparent. Sanctions can range from none, to a five year naturalization bar, to deportation with a lifetime ban on re-entry. In the wake of Padilla v Kentucky it is now clear that criminal defense counsel has a binding obligation to provide sound immigration advice to non-citizen defendants. The defendant's decision whether or not to enter into a plea agreement is may be more heavily influenced by the immigration consequences than the criminal sanction. Criminal Defense counsel will often contact Mr. Feldman to assist with analysis and strategic planning. Mr. Feldman has been advising criminal defense counsel and their clients for ten years and has developed a proven analytical frame work and methodology. Mr. Feldman works with defense counsel to properly advise the defendant and to craft a least risk strategy. Defense attorneys as well as defendants and their family may contact Mr. Feldman directly most weekdays between 10 AM and 6 PM eastern time. Mr. Feldman will work with private defense counsel as well as public defenders. Each state's criminal laws are unique to that state. Immigration law is federal law and Mr. Feldman's practice is national in scope. Mr. Feldman only accepts cases where local criminal counsel is available to properly advise regarding state law matters. IMPORTANT IMMIGRATION LAW CONCEPTS: Attempted crimes normally carry the same immigration consequences as the crime itself. Most state expungement and many state rehabilitative statutes will not shield an immigrant from immigration consequences. Even gubernatorial pardons are problematic. Before any admissions are made or bargains struck it is imperative that immigration counsel review the charges and work with defense counsel as a team to achieve the best possible outcome.
|
