Criminal Defense and Immigration Lawyers
Charges of domestic violence must be taken very seriously. Even if you avoid jail by pleading guilty, you could still be deported or hurt your future immigrant status.
Your criminal defense lawyer must understand the immigration consequences of a plea agreement or conviction. At Keen Law Offices, LLC, you are represented by experienced immigration law attorneys who can also defend you in court or appeal a conviction that would lead to deportation. In addition, if you already have a Criminal Lawyer, we can work with your lawyer to advise him of the immigration consequences of any plea. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
We represent lawful permanent residents (green card) and resident aliens (temporary visa) in Orem, Provo, Salt Lake City and throughout Utah. We have also represented illegal aliens arrested for domestic assault and other crimes.
Accused of Domestic Violence in Utah?
Domestic violence is assault or other violence against a spouse, unmarried partner or any family member. You can be arrested and charged with assault for hitting or kicking (even a slap or a push), or for making threats or threatening gestures. If the person was seriously injured, a weapon was used, or you have prior convictions for domestic violence, you could be charged with a felony.
Jail is not the only thing to worry about! Recent changes in U.S. immigration law trigger automatic removal (deportation) for specific domestic violence charges. Certain convictions can also prevent you from obtaining a green card.
Our experienced lawyers practice in both criminal defense and immigration law, including deportation proceedings. We will sit down with you to explain the immigration consequences of pleading guilty. If the best plea agreement could still result in removal, we will fight for you at trial.
What You Need to Know About Domestic Violence
• The law does not recognize "cultural differences." Spousal abuse is a crime in Utah.
• Some charges result in mandatory detention by federal immigration authorities.
• Even if the victim does not want to press charges or testify, prosecutors may not drop the case.
• Threatening a victim or witness can get you in serious legal trouble, including mandatory jail and permanent deportation.
What if I Already Pled Guilty?
Keen Law Office gets many calls from people who are facing deportation because they got bad advice from another lawyer or from family members. Even if you pled guilty and served time in jail or completed anger management classes, you could be sent back to your home country or be rejected for permanent residency.
We have had success in appealing jury convictions and reversing guilty pleas so that our client's immigration status was not in danger.
Do Not Talk to the Police or Immigration Officials
You have the right to remain silent and contact an attorney, the same as a U.S. citizen. Call us immediately at 866-298-9275 if you are a foreign national accused of domestic violence in Utah. We have Spanish and Portuguese speakers on staff, and we have represented clients from countries around the world.
