U.S CITIZENSHIP DENIED!?

Effects of Criminal Convictions

A concerned neighbor overheard the argument in an unfamiliar language quickly escalating in decibels.  The decision to call the police had the “yeller” arrested and charged with domestic violence.

The “yeller,” wanting to resolve things quickly to avoid embarrassment, pled guilty to a misdemeanor to get on with his life. Little did he realize by doing so, he jeopardized his chance to become an American citizen.

Immigration officials caught wind of the incident, shortly after his conviction, and placed him into deportation proceedings to return him to his home country.

How would he explain this to his friends, his family, and his employees?

Would the business he built have to be shut down? 

Green card holders, awaiting their chance to be naturalized, could be prevented from becoming citizens--or worse--be deported, if they are convicted because the applicant needs to show that he has Good Moral Character.

This fellow thought by pleading to a misdemeanor, he’d get the slap on the wrist and perhaps be required to attend some anger management classes, like a U.S. Citizen.   But the CIS (Citizenship and Immigration Services) views certain crimes that are classified as misdemeanors (punishable by less than 1 year) by state courts as felonies (punishable by more than 1 year). CIS also takes a very serious look at crimes of dishonesty, like shoplifting and workers’ compensation fraud, as well as violent crimes.

The Solution?

If you’re not a U.S. Citizen, but are charged with a crime, no matter how insignificant it may seem, consult with an attorney who can do two things:

1. Advise and Assist you to reduce and/or dismiss the criminal charges against you; and

2. BEFORE even considering #1, be sure you inform your attorney that you are NOT a U.S. Citizen.

If the attorney is unfamiliar with the impact of a criminal conviction on your immigration

status, he or she needs to consult with an attorney who knows the Immigration Laws and how such a crime can prevent you from becoming an American citizen, especially during these increasingly cautious times.

Best advice is to steer clear of trouble. But if you find trouble or it finds you, seek expert advice and put the law on your side.

Lawyers, Love‘em, Hate’em or Just Deal with Them?

Like so many, Jonathan needed to revisit an old contract. It needed to be amended, rewritten, or gotten out of completely. It wasn’t going to be pretty, and a battle could potentially ensue. The only question was who is going to be legally prepared to win.

Today, individuals and small business owners choose one of two paths:  to avoid lawyers like the plague, or hire an attorney to assist and advise them on various issues that affect their lives.  

Yet, people who wouldn’t cut their own hair handle their own contracts. Amusingly, they’d still spend more on the hair than having a lawyer review the contract.

Having access to a competent, knowledgeable, and personable attorney can be extremely valuable to your business.  When you agreed to that lease, did you read it before you signed it?  Did you understand your rights and responsibilities under that agreement?  Attorneys regularly review countless documents, (short and long), and you can rest assured that you will be properly warned if you are about to sign away your rights. Sometimes a suggested or negotiated change may just make it possible to modify or terminate a contract without a burdensome penalty. 

Think of it this way: would you rewire your house by yourself?  Perhaps ... if you are an electrician; otherwise, you would leave it to the experts. 

If you are comfortable with the structure of your business, what about signing contracts?  For instance, are you a sole proprietor?  An attorney can advise you as to the benefits and pitfalls of such a classification.  Thinking of incorporating based on what you hear on the radio?  Being advised by a lawyer about the advantages and responsibilities of maintaining your business in a corporate structure today can save you time and money in the event that your business is sued. 

You hire pros in just about every aspect of life, attorneys counsel and assist you and your business dealings today, so you can avoid future headaches. This allows you the time and energy to prosper in your life and/or business.  

Having someone you trust is on your side is powerful, and empowering. Lawyers are only intimidating when they’re across the table, and you are all alone. And, much like the stylist or electrician, a competent attorney will do right do you to earn the repeat business and referrals.

There’s no charge to see if the Bishay Law Offices will work for you. Call and put someone on your side of the table today. 714-979-5218.