How a Criminal Record Can Affect Immigration Status

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a criminal charge in Florida can have serious consequences for your immigration status — even if it seems like a minor offense. In some cases, a criminal conviction can result in deportation, inadmissibility, or denial of naturalization.

At The Bonderud Law Firm, we work with non-citizens to protect both their criminal and immigration status. Here’s how criminal charges can intersect with immigration law — and what you should do to protect yourself.

Criminal Convictions Can Trigger Deportation

Certain criminal convictions can make a non-citizen removable (deportable) under federal immigration law. These include:

• Aggravated felonies
• Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs)
• Drug offenses (even minor possession)
• Domestic violence, stalking, or child abuse offenses
• Firearm offenses
• Theft or fraud involving $10,000 or more in loss

A conviction doesn’t just mean a guilty plea or jury verdict — in immigration law, even withholding of adjudication or pretrial diversion may still count as a “conviction” under certain circumstances.

Inadmissibility: Being Denied Entry or a Green Card

Criminal records can also lead to inadmissibility, meaning:

• You can’t get a green card (permanent residency)
• You can’t adjust status while in the U.S.
• You may be denied entry at the border or airport

Inadmissibility applies to many of the same categories as deportability but may apply even without a conviction, such as with an admission to drug use.

How Criminal Charges Affect Naturalization

To become a U.S. citizen, you must prove “good moral character” — typically for the 5 years before applying. Criminal offenses, especially felonies and CIMTs, can cause a denial of naturalization.

Defenses and Strategies for Non-Citizens

If you’re not a citizen, your criminal defense must be immigration-informed. We work to:

• Avoid convictions altogether (e.g., dismissal, diversion, acquittal)
• Reduce charges to avoid deportable or inadmissible offenses
• Seek plea deals that don’t trigger immigration consequences
• Coordinate with immigration counsel when necessary

In some cases, a carefully structured plea can save your immigration status — but only if the defense attorney understands the consequences.

Your Future in the U.S. Is Too Important to Risk

Don’t plead guilty without understanding the immigration consequences. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we defend non-citizens with the knowledge and strategy needed to protect both their legal and immigration future.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the defense you need.