Criminal Defense and Post-Conviction Relief
A criminal conviction can have serious social and Immigration consequences. De León, Nestor & Torres is recognized by other attorneys and the courts as a leader in representing noncitizens facing criminal charges. Noncitizens facing criminal charges risk losing their immigration status, deportation, or the opportunity to apply and qualify for legal status.
When you choose our firm to represent you in your criminal case, you have the advantage of working with advocates that understand the complex intersection of criminal and immigration laws. Our firm offers zealous representation in the following criminal matters:
- Felonies and Misdemeanors in State and Federal Court
- DUI
- DWI
- Assault
- Robbery
- Drugs
- Theft
- Burglary
- Domestic Assault
- Solicitation
- Among Others
Post-Conviction Relief
If you pled guilty to an offense that currently prevents you from applying for or obtaining legal status, or could result in your deportation, it might be possible to reopen your case and find a better resolution. Our firm has successfully helped clients reduce, expunge, vacate, or alter in some way a prior plea, sentence, or the record of conviction in felony and misdemeanor cases in both state and federal court.
The immigration consequences of a criminal conviction vary from person to person, as much depends on the date of the conviction, the immigration status of the defendant, the date the immigrant/defendant entered the U.S., how the immigrant/defendant entered the U.S., the prior criminal history, etc. Call us to schedule a consultation to see whether we can eliminate the adverse immigration consequences of criminal convictions and sentences.
For Criminal Defense Attorneys
It is a lawyer’s professional responsibility to adequately inform clients of the specific immigration consequences of a conviction. As the Supreme Court stated, “The importance of accurate legal advice for noncitizens accused of crimes has never been more important.” Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S. 356, 365 (2010).
If you have a client who is not a citizen of the United States, we can provide you with expert advice about the immigration consequences of any potential plea agreement. Attorney Bruce D. Nestor is a nationally-recognized expert in the field of immigration consequences of criminal convictions.
We can provide you with an expert opinion letter, which you can use to (1) avoid harsh immigration consequences of a plea, if possible, (2) craft a plea so that it is immigration-safe, and/or (3) properly advise your client of the actual, specific immigration consequences of his or her plea, as is required for effective assistance. We have developed a variety of strategies to prevent an offense from becoming deportable.