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Immigration Consequences for Domestic Violence

Los Angeles is now home to many noncitizens throughout the county. Unfortunately, should these noncitizens face criminal prosecution, it can lead to potentially devastating immigration consequences. Crimes that noncitizens are accused of often relate to domestic violence. Noncitizens should be aware that being arrested or detained for a domestic violence offense can trigger an automatic immigration hold.

Whenever a noncitizen ends up in custody, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is notified and an immigration hold can be placed on the noncitizen which will prevent them from being released from custody. This hold tells the jail to not release the noncitizen even at the end of the noncitizen’s custody sentence. Instead, DHS will place the noncitizen in federal custody once the term of imprisonment is completed and removal proceedings will begin. This is why it is important for noncitizens to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney if they suspect they might be arrested, detained, or accused of a domestic violence offense.

Being convicted of any domestic violence related offense has many collateral consequences that defendants may often overlook, especially immigration consequences. Even a single conviction of domestic violence can lead to severe immigration consequences. Defendants who are not citizens of the United States should be advised that in many cases a single conviction of domestic violence can lead to removal, deportation, or denial of naturalization.

Domestic Violence and Crimes of Moral Turpitude

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has provided a non-exhaustive list of certain criminal convictions that would make a noncitizen deportable from the United States and bar them from any immigration relief. Although domestic violence is not specifically mentioned in this list, the conduct that is required for a domestic violence conviction can be considered a crime of moral turpitude. In some cases, the conduct required for a domestic violence conviction can even be classified as an aggravated felony, which may trigger a noncitizen’s removal proceedings from the United States.

Any crime in California that carries a potential sentence of imprisonment for one year or longer, for immigration purposes can be considered a crime of moral turpitude. This means that virtually all domestic violence convictions can be considered crimes of moral turpitude since even the most basic misdemeanor domestic violence penalty for willful infliction of corporal injury has a potential one-year term in county jail. Therefore, any conviction involving domestic violence can lead to deportation for a noncitizen.

Misdemeanor Domestic Violence and Deportation

In 2016, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) unambiguously concluded that even a single misdemeanor domestic violence conviction will make a noncitizen removable from the United States under Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means that even a conviction of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense can make noncitizens face removal proceedings. Therefore, those charged with domestic violence should know that deportation is a real possibility even if they are not imprisoned for a year or longer. Besides being deported, noncitizens should know that a conviction may also lead to them being denied any other forms of immigration relief should they try to apply.

Due to the serious collateral consequences that noncitizens accused of domestic violence face, it is extremely important if you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a domestic violence offense that you meet and discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. As a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience, Michael Kraut understands how to effectively defend clients charged with domestic violence. In many cases, Mr. Kraut’s early intervention has led to charges being rejected or significantly reduced.

For more information about domestic violence and to schedule your free consultation, contact Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.


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Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
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I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
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Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
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Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
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Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.
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