Criminal Defense

Annapolis, Maryland, Lawyers: Criminal Defense of Noncitizens

If you are a noncitizen (including a permanent resident or person with no immigration status) who has been charged with a crime, you may have two legal issues: defending yourself against the criminal charge and countering the very real potential of deportation. Many immigrants that are arrested by county or state police are reported by those agencies to the local office of Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE). ICE agents can put an "immigration detainer" in place to prevent the state or county from releasing the immigrant before ICE has a chance to in-process them and serve them with a Notice to Appear, or further detain them, or release them on intense supervision or bond. If this happens to an immigrant, they need immediate legal representation.

Many Criminal Convictions Can Threaten Your Immigration Status

Criminal convictions can have a negative effect on your immigrant status, whether you are a permanent resident, an immigrant seeking citizenship/naturalization, or you want to apply for your permanent resident status. Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude or certain felonies (including aggravated felonies) can prevent permanent residents from obtaining citizenship and may result in a lawful permanent resident losing that status and being deported, even after decades in permanent resident status. Criminal convictions can also result in having your citizenship denied - even if it was already approved or is pending.  Many noncitizens face removal for simple possession convictions, drug distribution convictions, and other crimes that can result in deportation.

At the Law Offices of Marc D. Schifanelli, we take steps to help you or your loved one avoid deportation when accused of a crime. We fight hard, preparing a strong defense to the charges you are facing, including:

• Drug crimes
• Aggravated felonies
• Assault
• Theft
• Rape
• Fraud

Attorney Marc D. Schifanelli understands the risks to immigrants inherent in criminal cases. If you already have a criminal attorney, we can advise you and your attorney as to the negative affects of certain charges and plea agreements. In some cases, pleading guilty - even if you receive probation before judgment or other deferred judgment - can result in your deportation. We can also work with the prosecutor to reduce the criminal charges you face or take other measures to protect your immigration status and your liberty.  Don't expect that your criminal attorney understands the collateral, and potentially catastrophic immigration consequences of the crime with which you are charged. 

Contact Us Immediately to Discuss Your Criminal Charges and the Immigration Consequences!

Call the Law Offices of Marc D. Schifanelli at (866) 451-2176 to schedule a confidential consultation about your immigration and criminal defense concerns.  We can determine the best approach to help you protect your rights and your life.