Criminal Defense for Non-U.S. Citizens
We Know the Immigration Consequences of Drug Charges
U.S. immigration officials are very serious about drug crimes. In addition to the criminal penalties, you can be deported or face mandatory detention even for simple drug possession. Any drug conviction can also make it impossible to get a green card.
Keen Law Offices, LLC, represents foreign nationals arrested on state or federal drug charges in Utah. Contact us before making any statements to police, prosecutors or Immigration officials. We take cases in Orem, Provo, Salt Lake City, Ogden and throughout Utah.
Drug Possession and Major Drug Crimes
Our immigration lawyers also practice criminal defense. They can give you solid advice about your criminal case and the impact on your immigration status. We provide a vigorous defense in court and in deportation proceedings for all drug charges, including:
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, heroin, meth, prescription narcotics)
- Drug sales or intent to distribute (possessing a large quantity)
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing or cultivation
- Criminal conspiracy or money laundering
Our criminal defense lawyers are aware of the immigration consequences a criminal case can have. Pleading guilty to a lesser crime to avoid prison can still result in deportation, and prevent you from getting a waiver. Even a deferred sentence that avoids a state conviction may be considered a conviction by the Department of Homeland Security and United State Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Our attorneys have knowledge of immigration law and how to represent those accused of drug crimes. We work to keep our clients out of jail And out of immigration detention. We do not let clients plead guilty without knowing the possible penalties. We have successfully defended clients in drug crime cases, and successfully appealed convictions and guilty pleas to restore our clients' immigration status.
Get the Facts
Many immigrants believe that they will get a deportation waiver for 30 grams or less of marijuana. This is not always true, and the waiver is not automatic. Immigrants have been deported for possessing drug paraphernalia. Getting a waiver depends on the judge, your immigration status, criminal record and your lawyer's knowledge of when it applies.
If you are not a U.S. citizen and have been arrested for drug possession or believe you are under investigation, call our Orem, Utah, office at 866-298-9275.
