Protecting Your Future in St. Louis, MO
For immigrants in St. Louis—or anywhere else in the United States, for that matter—facing criminal charges can be particularly daunting. Unlike U.S. citizens, non-citizens charged with a crime may face not only legal penalties but also severe immigration consequences, including deportation, visa revocation, or denial of naturalization. That’s why it’s vital to hire an attorney with expertise in both criminal law and immigration penalties.
Whether you’re a green card holder, on a visa, or undocumented in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri, having a trustworthy, award-winning law firm like Combs Waterkotte on your side can help protect your rights and help things make sense.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our criminal defense lawyers for immigrants today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your future.
Why Criminal Charges Are Riskier for Immigrants in Missouri and Beyond
The U.S. Immigration system takes criminal offenses very seriously. Even minor charges in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri can trigger removal proceedings, making it critical to understand the risks and seek strong legal representation.
If you’re facing charges, call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our expert criminal defense lawyers where you can discuss the specifics of your case and get legal advice and guidance on next steps.
Some key concerns include:
- Deportation: Certain criminal convictions can make you deportable, even if you have lived in the U.S. for years.
- Loss of Immigration Benefits: A criminal conviction could disqualify you from DACA, asylum, or other protections.
- Inadmissibility: Some offenses prevent you from renewing a visa, applying for a green card, or becoming a U.S. citizen.
- Mandatory Detention: Some crimes result in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody without bond, making legal defense urgent.
Critical Reasons You May Need Criminal Defense for Immigrants in St. Louis, MO
The Missouri legal system, with a multitude of laws differing between various jurisdictions, is difficult enough to understand for most residents but for immigrants and non-citizens, it’s near impossible. Even seemingly minor offenses can jeopardize your immigration status, leading to visa denials, green card revocations, or even deportation. The following are situations where having a Combs Waterkotte attorney based in St. Louis, who is skilled in both criminal defense and immigration, is crucial:
1. Facing a Criminal Charge in Missouri as a Non-Citizen
A first-time criminal charge can do more than result in fines or jail time, it can threaten your ability to stay in the U.S. Many non-citizens are shocked to learn that something as minor as a misdemeanor offense can lead to the loss of their green card or potential deportation. An experienced Combs Waterkotte defense attorney can help minimize the impact of criminal charges on your immigration status.
2. An Expunged Record in Missouri Still Matters
Even if your criminal record has been expunged or sealed, you must still disclose past arrests when applying for immigration benefits. Unlike U.S. criminal law, immigration law does not recognize expungements, and past offenses may still count as convictions for immigration purposes. A skilled lawyer well-versed in both areas can help you with this legal gray area.
3. Missouri DWI/DUI Can Derail Your Immigration Future
A DWI/DUI charge is not just a traffic offense—it can have severe immigration consequences, including denial of Green Card applications or deportation. Building a strong DWI/DUI defense that considers criminal, administrative, and immigration implications is critical to protecting your future in the U.S. Call the skilled DWI/DUI defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
4. Voting in a U.S. Election Without Citizenship
Many non-citizens unknowingly violate federal law by voting in U.S. elections, often due to confusion about eligibility. However, this mistake can have serious consequences when applying for citizenship.
5. Unpaid Taxes Could Threaten Your Status
Failure to file or pay taxes is a federal crime, regardless of citizenship status. Beyond financial penalties, this can put your immigration status at risk. Additionally, lying on your tax return—even unintentionally—can be grounds for denial of citizenship or removal proceedings.
Common Crimes That Could Affect Your Immigration Status in St. Louis
Not all criminal charges carry the same immigration consequences. If you’re facing charges, consult with a Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorney to speak to the specifics of your case. These offenses are among the most problematic for non-citizens:
- Drug Crimes: Convictions for possession, distribution, or trafficking can lead to deportation.
- Theft & Fraud: Crimes of moral turpitude, as defined by Missouri Revised Statute § 590.080 as the wrongful quality shared by acts of fraud, theft, bribery, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, and other similar acts, can make you inadmissible.
- Violent Crimes: Assault, domestic violence, and firearm offenses can lead to mandatory removal.
- Sex Crimes: Charges related to sexual misconduct carry harsh immigration consequences.
- DWI/DUI: A single DWI/DUI may not result in deportation, but multiple offenses or those involving serious injury or death certainly can.
