You may be familiar with the scene in the movie Animal House where Dean Wormer places a misfit group of fraternity boys on “double secret probation”.
When it comes to United States immigration laws there is no such thing as double secret probation, but your immigration status can leave you with a similar feeling of living on thin ice. It is important to avoid having a criminal record in order to maintain your legal immigration status and avoid consequences such as deportation.
Using the Animal House
reference, think of your immigration status as a fraternity you belong to and the threat of a criminal record as your “double secret probation.”
A Green Card Is Not Enough To Protect You
There is a common misconception that having a Green Card will lessen the potential consequences of a criminal conviction. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even with a green card, you can still face consequences including deportation in the event you are convicted of a crime.
The only way to protect your immigration status in the face of criminal charges is to fight back aggressively with the help of a proven criminal defense lawyer. It is important not to take any action – including agreeing to a plea deal for a lesser offense – without consulting your defense attorney.
At Stroud, Willink & Howard Criminal Defense Group LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience in criminal defense and immigration law. Our perspective can help you resolve your criminal matters in a way that protects your ability to live and work in the United States.
