IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES

Tiemann Defense – Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney

Protecting Your Future & Your Immigration Status

Serving Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare Counties Call Now: 559.481.4033

Office: 5150 N. Sixth Street, Ste 172-B, Fresno, CA 93710

Trusted California Criminal Defense Firm

When you or a loved one is arrested, your entire future is at stake. At Tiemann Defense, we provide aggressive and strategic representation for individuals facing criminal charges throughout Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare Counties. We understand that for non-citizens, a criminal case is more than a legal problem—it can also become an immigration crisis.

Our mission is simple: protect your freedom, protect your record, and protect your immigration status.

Immigration Consequences of a Criminal Arrest or Conviction

Even a minor criminal accusation can have major immigration repercussions. Many people do not realize that an arrest alone—not just a conviction—can trigger immigration reviews, detention, or even removal proceedings.

Below is a clear breakdown of how criminal charges can impact various immigration statuses.

How Criminal Charges Affect DACA Recipients

Individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) must maintain a clean record to keep their protection. A criminal conviction, and sometimes even a serious arrest, may:

· Make you ineligible for DACA renewal

· Result in termination of your current DACA status

· Increase the risk of ICE referral or immigration detention

Crimes involving drugs, violence, or moral turpitude are especially dangerous for DACA recipients.

Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents)

Even lawful permanent residents can face severe consequences. Certain convictions can lead to:

· Loss of green card / permanent residency

· Ineligibility for naturalization

· Detention by ICE after criminal court

· Removal (deportation) proceedings

Crimes that commonly cause immigration problems for green card holders include:

· Domestic violence

· Drug offenses

· Theft or fraud

· DUI with aggravating factors

· Crimes of moral turpitude

· Aggravated felonies (as defined by immigration law)

Work Visa Holders (H-1B, H-2B, O-1, TN, etc.)

A criminal arrest may jeopardize your ability to stay employed or renew your visa. Consequences can include:

· Visa revocation by the Department of State

· Inability to travel internationally

· Problems renewing or transferring your visa

· Initiation of removal proceedings

Even a pending case can appear in government systems when you travel or apply for extensions.

Student Visa Holders (F-1, M-1)

Students are often surprised by how quickly a criminal case leads to immigration issues. Possible impacts include:

· Loss of “status” if the school is notified or SEVIS is updated

· Visa cancellation upon re-entry

· Ineligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

· Deportation risk for certain convictions

Drug-related offenses are particularly harmful for F-1 students.

Asylum Applicants

Asylum seekers face unique challenges. Certain criminal allegations can:

· Harm your credibility in asylum court

· Lead to mandatory denial if the offense is considered serious

· Trigger detention while your case is pending

· Affect your ability to obtain work authorization

Even if you have a strong persecution claim, a criminal charge may still jeopardize your case.

Citizenship Applicants (Naturalization)

For those applying for U.S. citizenship, criminal issues can block or delay naturalization. USCIS reviews:

· Arrests (even those dismissed)

· Convictions

· Probation terms

· Police reports

· Court records

A criminal case may lead to:

· Denial of citizenship for lack of “good moral character”

· Re-opening of old immigration issues

· In rare cases, placing the applicant into removal proceedings

Even minor charges can have long-term consequences if not handled properly.

How Criminal Charges Affect Undocumented Individuals

For individuals without lawful immigration status, any contact with law enforcement can be dangerous. Potential consequences include:

· ICE holds (detainers) in county jail

· Detention by ICE after release from criminal custody

· Fast-tracked deportation proceedings

· Ineligibility for future immigration benefits

However, an arrest does not guarantee deportation. With an experienced defense attorney, many undocumented individuals successfully avoid immigration consequences.

Why Choose Tiemann Defense?

· Deep experience with criminal-immigration crossover issues

· Personalized defense strategies based on your immigration status

· Local knowledge of courts in Fresno, Madera, Kings & Tulare Counties

· Aggressive protection of your rights & future

We work closely with trusted immigration attorneys when needed to build the strongest defense possible.

Charged With a Crime? Protect Your Freedom and Your Immigration Status.

No matter your immigration status, you have rights. Do not plead guilty or speak to police or immigration officers before speaking with a lawyer.

Tiemann Defense 5150 N. Sixth Street, Ste 172-B, Fresno, CA 93710 559.481.4033

Call now for a confidential consultation.