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Will an Arrest in Massachusetts Affect Your Immigration Status?

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    Getting arrested will have a decided impact on your life, but the situation may be more dire if you are an immigrant in the United States.  Similarly to most states, getting arrested in Massachusetts may negatively affect your immigration status.

    How an arrest will impact your immigration status often depends on the type of crime for which you were arrested. Not every criminal charge will have direct consequences on a person’s immigration status. For example. If you are arrested for reckless driving in Massachusetts it is unlikely that this will affect your immigration status, because it is not a violation of any immigration law.  On the other hand, if you are arrested and charged with a minor shoplifting offense, which is an immigration violation, then you could potentially face some issues with your immigration status.

    Contact our immigration and criminal defense lawyers at FitzGerald Law Company at (617) 303-2600 to learn more about how a criminal charge can affect your current and future immigration status in the US.

    Will an Arrest Cause Trouble with Your Immigration Status in Massachusetts?

    In general, any criminal charge may have a negative impact on your immigration status. Criminal convictions may cause the Immigration Service (USCIS) to deny an application, start deportation/removal proceedings, detain or imprison an individual. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you are facing criminal charges, you should have your case reviewed by a lawyer who understands and is experienced in both immigration and criminal law.

    There are two types of criminal charges that have serious consequences under the immigration law: “aggravated felonies” and “crimes of moral turpitude”.

    Crimes of moral turpitude are those involving an act of moral deficiency, for example, shoplifting, fraud, theft, domestic violence, crimes of abuse, as well as others.  Aggravated felonies are generally serious drug cases, crimes of violence, gun charges, fraud, and sexual assaults.

    What is an Aggravated Felony in Massachusetts?

    A felony is a term for a category of crimes that are generally more serious or have punishments or sentences that are more severe. For example, under federal law, a felony is a crime for which the potential prison sentence is one year or more. Under the state law of Massachusetts, a felony is a crime for which the sentence may be served in state prison instead of a county jail.

    An “Aggravated Felony”, however, is a crime defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act. In 1996, Congress expanded the definition and type of offense considered an “Aggravated Felony” under the immigration law. Any non-citizen who has been convicted of an “Aggravated Felony” will face a number of severe consequences under the immigration law, for example, any conviction for an “aggravated felony” on or after November 29, 1990, will bar the person from establishing good moral character (GMC) for naturalization, which will prevent them for becoming a U.S. Citizen.

    There are numerous consequences, that range from being subjected to mandatory detention during deportation/removal proceedings under INA § 236(c) to being ineligible for various procedures to obtain residency or being ineligible for TPS or most non-immigrant visas.

    What are Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude in Massachusetts?

    Massachusetts does not have crimes that are defined as “Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude” as that is a definition set forth in the federal immigration law. The courts have defined a Crime of Moral Turpitude as a crime involving conduct that is base, vile, or depraved and contrary to the rules of morality accepted by society. (See Mejia v. Holder, 756 F.3d 64, 68 (1st Cir. 2014)) For an immigrant, any foreign national who is not a U.S. Citizen, being convicted of a “Crime Involving Moral Turpitude” (CIMT) will have serious consequences. There are several sections of the Immigration law that set severe penalties for non-citizens who have a conviction for this type of offense.

    For example, an individual with Legal Permanent Residency can be removed/deported from the U.S. if they are convicted of even a single CIMT within 5 years of the grant of their resident status. Similarly, a conviction for a crime of moral turpitude will render an individual ineligible for DACA, most non-immigrant visas, and numerous other immigration benefits. In addition to making an individual ineligible for an immigration status they want or causing the loss of an immigration status that they have (LPR, Student, etc.), a conviction for a CIMT can be used by an immigration officer to deny an application at their discretion. It is critical to understand your circumstances and to obtain assistance from a law firm experienced in both criminal and immigration law if you are an immigrant and have been accused or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

    Common Types of Crimes That Could Affect Your Immigration Status in Massachusetts?

    There are numerous crimes that can affect your immigration status if you are arrested. The ones mentioned below serve as a quick reference guide for what are considered Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude , Aggravated Felonies , as well as other offenses that have serious immigration consequences:

    Drug Trafficking and Drug Dealing

    Our Boston criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience defending the two major categories of narcotics or drug violations: possession and distribution. It is illegal to possess a substance defined under federal and state law as a “controlled substance” without authorization.

    Possession includes having a “substance” physically on your person (jacket, bag, pocket, …) or in an area that you control (your house, car, apartment, yard…).

    It is also illegal under federal and state law to distribute, sell, or transfer a substance defined as a “controlled substance” to another person without proper government authorization, this is considered “Trafficking.” Possession of a controlled substance may be prosecuted as distribution or trafficking if there is evidence of the person’s intent to sell or transfer.  In some cases the weight or amount of drugs will be sufficient to prove the person’s intent to distribute.

    Drug trafficking crimes are Aggravated Felonies, however, while the crime of simple possession of illegal drugs is not an aggravated felony, it can still cause the individual to be denied a visa, entry to the U.S., or to be deported.

    Theft and Shoplifting

    It is illegal to take, steal or embezzle with intent to convert the property of another. There is a wide array of penalties for theft depending upon the nature of the item stolen, its value, whether force or violence was employed, and the characteristics of the victim from whom the item was taken (penalties tend to be higher if the victim is a “weaker” person, i.e., child, elderly person, mentally disabled, etc.).

    Theft offenses are almost always a CIMT, but sometimes they can even be considered an “Aggravated Felony,” under the Immigration Law, depending on the sentence that is issued (if it is 1 year or longer) or the amount of money that was taken (if it is more than $10,000.00).

    Crime of Domestic Violence / Assault & Battery on a Family or Household Member

    In Massachusetts it is unlawful to commit an Assault & Battery on a family member. An assault is an action that places another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of an immediate battery. Battery is the harmful or offensive touching of another person without justification or excuse. The incidents become more serious if a dangerous weapon is used, or severe injury is caused. The penalties for this type of crime range from a prison sentence to a period of probation, depending upon several factors, including the criminal history of the defendant, the nature of the force or violence, the type of injury that resulted, and the characteristics of the victim (child, elderly person, mentally disabled, sick or infirm…).

    Crimes of Domestic Violence are a basis upon which a person can be deported/removed from the U.S. under the Immigration Law, INA Section 237(a)(2)(E).

    Operating or Driving a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (OUI / DUI)

    In general, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on a public road or way while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, narcotic drugs, depressants, or stimulant substances. The penalties for these criminal charges include probation or a jail sentence depending upon the number of times that a person has been convicted previously and whether there was serious damage to persons or property. The courts and prosecutor will routinely require the completion of an alcohol or substance abuse education program as part of any sentence.

    It is rare that an OUI conviction will directly impact an immigration case but they certainly can cause delays, as many petitions cannot be completed if the person has an open criminal case or if they are on probation.

    Our Immigration / Criminal Attorneys Can Help

    Our Boston Immigration / Criminal lawyers have a successful track record in both areas of the law and can help you learn more about your legal options and devise an effective strategy for your case.  If you are an immigrant or have been arrested the experienced attorneys of FitzGerald Law Company can assist you.  Call today to schedule a consultation at (617) 303-2600.

    Client Reviews and Testimonials

    See all reviews or organize them by website!

    Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    We had a great experience with FitzGerald Law Company while applying for a permanent resident card. Attorney Desmond was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the confusing immigration process! Our legal assistant, Angie, was wonderful - very friendly, great communication and efficient. Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    Jayne Procopio

    I will recommend them to my friends and family

    Excellent lawyers they do a great job i will recommend them to my friends and family they are very helpful they are always there to answer all your questions and concerns.

    Gerson Lemus

    They were attentive and helpful

    Zrinka and the team were fantastic, thoroughly the whole of the (very long) process they were attentive and helpful, and made the whole thing as smooth and painless as possible.

    Laurence Wilson

    I will forever be grateful for your service

    I used Fitzgerald Law Company for my complicated case . I personally worked with Attorney Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka. I must say that Desmond is very professional and caring. He knows the system and pays attention to all the details. The entire team is very knowledgeable, respectful and reliable. Thank you Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka for tirelessly working with me to the end. Through your support and dedication, I was granted the privilege of a green card. I will forever be grateful for your service and I pray that the Almighty God will meet you at your point of need. I would highly recommend this firm to anybody that needs Immigration Services.

    Margaret Muguku

    Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    I would highly recommend Fitzgerald law company for all immigration needs. Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    Joe Ryan

    I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to.

    My husband and I are going through the US immigration process through consular processing in Canada. We hit an unexpected hitch in our process, and we were panicked and seeking out attorneys who could advise us what was happening with my husband's case. This firm took my emotional call and talked me through where we were in our process, what the likely outcome and timeline was based on their past cases supported, etc. and talked through all the details of our case. We talked for a good 15-20 minutes and they didn't charge me a dime. I felt so re-assured by the end of the conversation that our case will resolve soon. We haven't gotten the visa issued just yet, but we're remaining hopeful and will be contacting this company again as soon as anything goes astray. I really appreciated their care for a potential client, considering how emotional and scary the process can be. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to. Thank you again for taking my call, and explaining so much of the process to us. It's clear you take care of your clients, and this review felt like the least I could do as a thank you. We'll be in touch if we end up needing your services!

    Allison

    They are excellent.

    Serious, dedicated work and provide all necessary explanations to the customer, they are excellent.

    Livia Liberato

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional.

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional. They helped me a lot and I will refer anyone who needs legal help to this law office!

    Ray T.

    I highly recommend this law firm

    My entire family and I have been working with FitzGerald Law Company for many years. Desmond and his team have never given up on us! I got my green card in 2018 and my parents got theirs this year! We are so happy :) we are just waiting on my sister now, but we know she is in great hands! Thank you so much! You have changed our lives for the better <3. I highly recommend this law firm if you are having any immigration problems. My parents Etleva and Kastriot send their deepest gratitude!

    Evjo Gjura

    This is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area.

    From experience, this is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area. Very satisfied with their work. No matter how difficult your case might be, if the team accepts working with you, you are in very good hands.

    Gleni Kajdo

    I really like that they speak so many languages and can help anyone!

    FitzGerald Law Company recently handled my immigration case for me and everything turned out great! The staff is excellent all the way from the secretary and assistant all the way up to the attorney. My attorney was Desmond Fitzgerald himself and he was excellent.

    Swarsatie R.

    They have been very supportive and professional

    My family and I have had an excellent experience with Desmond and his team at FitzGerald Law Company. They have been very supportive and professional, addressing our every concern. I feel fortunate to have found them and worked with them on my son's immigration case.

    Yoseph A.

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Natasha A.

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one’s situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Patricia M.

    A very well organized firm, experienced and professional.

    My experience was exceptionally great. A very well organized firm, experienced and professional. Customer service was excellent and the lawyer that handled my case, Desmond Fitzgerald was the best. He was very thorough and very experienced. He knows what he's talking about. All in all, I had a positive experience and I highly recommend this company, especially Desmond Fitzgerald, he's awesome.

    Mike A.

    They helped me with a personal injury case

    Highly recommend Mr Desmond Fitzgerald and his team. They helped me with a personal injury case. He was realistic about outcomes and professional and came through for me.

    Garo M.

    Experienced, professional, and caring

    It was a great pleasure to have Mr. FitzGerald as my attorney. He was always there when I needed him. He is experienced, professional, and caring. I would recommend his services to anyone. I greatly appreciate what he did for me and would like to take the chance to express my gratitude to his hard work. Thank you very much Mr. FitzGerald. You'r the best...

    Ahmed B.

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case...kept me in the know throughout the whole process. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone looking for representation in a court case. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    James K.

    He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly

    Mr Desmond and his team did a remarkable job in immigration for my family and I. He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly. Highly recommended

    Gassim F.

    They made the process very smooth and pleasant

    Desmond and his team did a great job during my husband’s green card application. Very diligent, reliable and knowledgeable. They made the process very smooth and pleasant. Highly recommended!

    Karol S.

    The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional

    The best lawfirm in Massachusetts. The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional.

    Zulia O.

    They make the process as simple as possible

    Our experience with the FitzGerald Law Company is beyond positive. They make the process as simple as possible and are there to help and support the entire time. Everyone we've been in touch from their office was nice and helpful. We won the case and we would definitely use their services again. Thank you Juan & the team!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments

    A very professional and committed team...They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    Anonymous for Firm

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one's situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again

    The lawyer did an excellent job, it was really wonderful and inspiring to have him as a lawyer, he truly handled my case and everything went as expected. They always call or sent me an email to inform me the progress of my case, I am always feel welcomed when I meet with them. I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again in the future.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer

    Desmond FitzGerald and his staff handles the daunting immigration legal paperwork with the utmost professionalism but always keeping the experience personal and realistic. I always felt that that I mattered. FitzGerald & Company has many payment options and they work with you to set up a payment plan which is affordable. {para}I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer.

    Anonymous for Firm

    Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    We had a great experience with FitzGerald Law Company while applying for a permanent resident card. Attorney Desmond was knowledgeable and helpful throughout the confusing immigration process! Our legal assistant, Angie, was wonderful - very friendly, great communication and efficient. Will be recommending FLC to our friends!

    Jayne Procopio

    I will recommend them to my friends and family

    Excellent lawyers they do a great job i will recommend them to my friends and family they are very helpful they are always there to answer all your questions and concerns.

    Gerson Lemus

    They were attentive and helpful

    Zrinka and the team were fantastic, thoroughly the whole of the (very long) process they were attentive and helpful, and made the whole thing as smooth and painless as possible.

    Laurence Wilson

    I will forever be grateful for your service

    I used Fitzgerald Law Company for my complicated case . I personally worked with Attorney Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka. I must say that Desmond is very professional and caring. He knows the system and pays attention to all the details. The entire team is very knowledgeable, respectful and reliable. Thank you Desmond and Mrs. Zrinka for tirelessly working with me to the end. Through your support and dedication, I was granted the privilege of a green card. I will forever be grateful for your service and I pray that the Almighty God will meet you at your point of need. I would highly recommend this firm to anybody that needs Immigration Services.

    Margaret Muguku

    Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    I would highly recommend Fitzgerald law company for all immigration needs. Desmond and his staff and absolutely fantastic and easy to work with.

    Joe Ryan

    I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to.

    My husband and I are going through the US immigration process through consular processing in Canada. We hit an unexpected hitch in our process, and we were panicked and seeking out attorneys who could advise us what was happening with my husband's case. This firm took my emotional call and talked me through where we were in our process, what the likely outcome and timeline was based on their past cases supported, etc. and talked through all the details of our case. We talked for a good 15-20 minutes and they didn't charge me a dime. I felt so re-assured by the end of the conversation that our case will resolve soon. We haven't gotten the visa issued just yet, but we're remaining hopeful and will be contacting this company again as soon as anything goes astray. I really appreciated their care for a potential client, considering how emotional and scary the process can be. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them if I needed to. Thank you again for taking my call, and explaining so much of the process to us. It's clear you take care of your clients, and this review felt like the least I could do as a thank you. We'll be in touch if we end up needing your services!

    Allison

    They are excellent.

    Serious, dedicated work and provide all necessary explanations to the customer, they are excellent.

    Livia Liberato

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional.

    Amazing people, excellent service. Extremely professional. They helped me a lot and I will refer anyone who needs legal help to this law office!

    Ray T.

    I highly recommend this law firm

    My entire family and I have been working with FitzGerald Law Company for many years. Desmond and his team have never given up on us! I got my green card in 2018 and my parents got theirs this year! We are so happy :) we are just waiting on my sister now, but we know she is in great hands! Thank you so much! You have changed our lives for the better <3. I highly recommend this law firm if you are having any immigration problems. My parents Etleva and Kastriot send their deepest gratitude!

    Evjo Gjura

    This is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area.

    From experience, this is the best immigration law office in Great Boston area. Very satisfied with their work. No matter how difficult your case might be, if the team accepts working with you, you are in very good hands.

    Gleni Kajdo

    I really like that they speak so many languages and can help anyone!

    FitzGerald Law Company recently handled my immigration case for me and everything turned out great! The staff is excellent all the way from the secretary and assistant all the way up to the attorney. My attorney was Desmond Fitzgerald himself and he was excellent.

    Swarsatie R.

    They have been very supportive and professional

    My family and I have had an excellent experience with Desmond and his team at FitzGerald Law Company. They have been very supportive and professional, addressing our every concern. I feel fortunate to have found them and worked with them on my son's immigration case.

    Yoseph A.

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Natasha A.

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one’s situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Patricia M.

    A very well organized firm, experienced and professional.

    My experience was exceptionally great. A very well organized firm, experienced and professional. Customer service was excellent and the lawyer that handled my case, Desmond Fitzgerald was the best. He was very thorough and very experienced. He knows what he's talking about. All in all, I had a positive experience and I highly recommend this company, especially Desmond Fitzgerald, he's awesome.

    Mike A.

    They helped me with a personal injury case

    Highly recommend Mr Desmond Fitzgerald and his team. They helped me with a personal injury case. He was realistic about outcomes and professional and came through for me.

    Garo M.

    Experienced, professional, and caring

    It was a great pleasure to have Mr. FitzGerald as my attorney. He was always there when I needed him. He is experienced, professional, and caring. I would recommend his services to anyone. I greatly appreciate what he did for me and would like to take the chance to express my gratitude to his hard work. Thank you very much Mr. FitzGerald. You'r the best...

    Ahmed B.

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case

    Very professional and dedicated a lot of time to my case...kept me in the know throughout the whole process. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone looking for representation in a court case. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    James K.

    He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly

    Mr Desmond and his team did a remarkable job in immigration for my family and I. He explained things in a way that was easily understandable and things went smoothly. Highly recommended

    Gassim F.

    They made the process very smooth and pleasant

    Desmond and his team did a great job during my husband’s green card application. Very diligent, reliable and knowledgeable. They made the process very smooth and pleasant. Highly recommended!

    Karol S.

    The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional

    The best lawfirm in Massachusetts. The team is wonderful, efficient and very helpful/ professional.

    Zulia O.

    They make the process as simple as possible

    Our experience with the FitzGerald Law Company is beyond positive. They make the process as simple as possible and are there to help and support the entire time. Everyone we've been in touch from their office was nice and helpful. We won the case and we would definitely use their services again. Thank you Juan & the team!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments

    A very professional and committed team...They put in a lot of time into my case all the while keeping me informed of any and all developments. I definitely recommend FitzGerald Law Company to anyone seeking legal representation. Thank you Desmond and the entire team.

    Anonymous for Firm

    Highly recommend their services

    My husband and I reached out to FitzGerald Law Company, and we can only speak very highly of them. Very professional & reliable. I want to say big thanks to Desmond and Zrinka, who helped us throughout my immigration process. Highly recommend their services!

    Anonymous for Firm

    They are on top of everything

    The Fitzgerald team is great and ready to help. They provide accurate information and never give a false picture of one's situation. They are on top of everything and work with you. The team are very thorough at what they do. I would highly recommend their legal services.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again

    The lawyer did an excellent job, it was really wonderful and inspiring to have him as a lawyer, he truly handled my case and everything went as expected. They always call or sent me an email to inform me the progress of my case, I am always feel welcomed when I meet with them. I was very happy working with them and will be happy to work with them again in the future.

    Anonymous for Firm

    I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer

    Desmond FitzGerald and his staff handles the daunting immigration legal paperwork with the utmost professionalism but always keeping the experience personal and realistic. I always felt that that I mattered. FitzGerald & Company has many payment options and they work with you to set up a payment plan which is affordable. {para}I would definitely recommend Desmond and FitzGerald & Company to anyone looking for a professional, trustful immigration lawyer.

    Anonymous for Firm