Our Immigration Services

Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) with Criminal Issues

Have a Green Card and Been Arrested or Charged With a Crime? Your Immigration Status Could Be at Risk.

Many lawful permanent residents believe that having a Green Card means they cannot be deported.

That isn't always true.

Some criminal charges or convictions can have serious immigration consequences, including removal proceedings, difficulty returning to the United States after traveling abroad, or problems when applying for U.S. citizenship.

The decisions made early in a criminal case can affect your future in ways that are not always obvious. That's why it's important to understand the immigration consequences before accepting a plea agreement or resolving a criminal case.

At Saavedra & Perez Law, we represent lawful permanent residents facing immigration issues related to criminal charges or convictions. We work to protect your immigration status and help you understand your legal options before important decisions are made.

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Green Card Holders Facing Criminal Charges

When Should You Speak With an Immigration Attorney?

If you have a Green Card, you should speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible if any of these situations apply to you.

You Have Been Charged With a Crime

Not every criminal charge has the same immigration consequences. The type of offense and the outcome of the case can make a significant difference.

You Already Have a Criminal Conviction

Even if the conviction happened years ago, it may affect your ability to travel, renew your Green Card, apply for citizenship, or remain in the United States.

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You Were Recently Arrested

Even if your criminal case has just begun, it's important to understand how the charges could affect your immigration status.

You're Considering a Plea Agreement

A plea agreement that seems like a good outcome in criminal court may still create serious immigration consequences.

Before accepting any agreement, you should understand how it could affect your Green Card.

You're in Removal Proceedings

If ICE has placed you in removal proceedings because of a criminal conviction, it's important to have an attorney who understands both immigration law and the impact of criminal cases.

Examples of Criminal Charges That May Affect Your Immigration Status

Every case is different, and the immigration consequences depend on the specific facts and the law that applies.

Examples of criminal charges that may require an immigration review include:

DUI or DWI offenses.
Drug-related charges.
Domestic violence.
Theft or shoplifting.
Assault or battery.
Fraud or identity theft.
Weapons offenses.
Crimes involving moral turpitude.
Aggravated felony allegations.

Being charged with one of these offenses does not automatically mean you will lose your Green Card. However, it is important to understand the possible immigration consequences before making decisions in your criminal case.

Why Criminal and Immigration Cases Are Different

Your criminal defense attorney focuses on defending you in criminal court.
Our role is different.
We evaluate how the criminal case may affect your immigration status, your ability to remain in the United States, and your future immigration goals.
In some situations, a plea agreement that appears favorable from a criminal law perspective may still create serious immigration consequences.
Understanding those consequences before accepting a plea can make an important difference.

Saavedra & Perez's Services for Green Card Holders Include

Evaluating the Immigration Consequences of Criminal Charges

We carefully review the criminal allegations, court records, and your immigration history to understand how your case may affect your lawful permanent resident status.

Representation in Removal Proceedings

If ICE places you in removal proceedings because of a criminal conviction, we represent clients before the Immigration Court and advocate for every available form of relief.

Honest Guidance Throughout the Process

Every case is different.
We'll explain your options clearly, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand what each decision could mean for your immigration status.

Working Alongside Your Criminal Defense Attorney

When appropriate, we coordinate with your criminal defense attorney so immigration consequences are considered before important decisions are made in your criminal case.

Immigration Appeals and Waivers

Depending on your circumstances, additional legal options may be available. We evaluate your case and explain every strategy that could help protect your ability to remain in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lose my Green Card because of a criminal conviction?

Yes. Certain criminal convictions may make a lawful permanent resident removable or affect other immigration benefits.

The immigration consequences depend on the specific offense and the facts of the case.

Should I accept a plea agreement?

Can I become a U.S. citizen if I have a criminal record?

Can I travel outside the United States if I have a criminal conviction?

Do I need both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration attorney?

What if my conviction happened years ago?

Contact Us

If you have a Green Card and have been arrested, charged with a crime, or are worried about how a criminal case could affect your immigration status, don't wait to get legal guidance.
The decisions you make today may have lasting immigration consequences.
Our attorneys can review your case, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions to protect your future.

Written by

Michelle Perez

Immigration Removal Defense | Immigration Appeals | Crimmigration | VAWA | Military-Based Immigration

Michelle Perez, JD, is a founding attorney at Saavedra & Perez Law, PLLC, where she leads the firm's removal defense and immigration appeals practice. The daughter of immigrants herself, Michelle has lived this work firsthand - including personally guiding her father through the pardon process after decades-old criminal charges kept him from his home country for 58 years. Licensed in Florida with over a decade of experience, she represents clients in Immigration Court, before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), and in federal proceedings, concentrating on removal defense, cancellation of removal, VAWA, waivers, and complex immigration matters involving criminal history. A member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), she has presented at AILA panels on immigration law and client experience. Michelle is known for taking on complex, high-stakes cases and crafting creative legal arguments.