One thing that I think is extremely important down here in Brownsville and any border city really is a whole lot of criminal defendants who aren’t here legally. They’re undocumented. And it becomes a race to get a bond sometimes before the ICE immigration people get to the jail. But if they get there, you get a federal hold on you.
So any state bond is trumped by the federal hold. So you have a lot undocumented immigrants here doing hard work– working, have families here that are stuck in jail. What’s important from the immigration consequences is if you plead guilty to a crime involving moral turpitude, for instance, an assault case with finding a family violence, you’re deportable.
What that means is that you’re placed back in your country. And if you cross again within a certain time period, you’re facing federal charges. So it’s important that people get somebody who cares to represent them if you’re an undocumented person in this country.
Legal Rights for Undocumented Citizens in Texas
Undocumented citizens facing criminal charges in Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley need experienced legal representation to protect their rights. Attorney Michael Gonzalez understands the unique challenges that come with defending clients who may face both state criminal proceedings and federal immigration consequences.
Immigration Consequences of Criminal Charges
When undocumented citizens are arrested, the stakes are significantly higher than for other defendants. A guilty plea to certain offenses, especially crimes involving moral turpitude such as family violence assault, can trigger automatic deportation proceedings. This is why having an attorney who understands both criminal defense and immigration law is critical for achieving the best possible outcome.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can negotiate alternative resolutions that may avoid the immigration consequences of a conviction. From seeking reduced charges to fighting for dismissals, every strategy is aimed at keeping families together and protecting the future of undocumented citizens in our community. If you or a loved one needs help, explore our practice areas or contact Michael Gonzalez today for a consultation.