If you live in New Jersey and are a citizen of a foreign country, facing criminal charges has potential consequences beyond those normally associated with a conviction. While you could be at risk for fines and jail time, you could also be at risk for losing your immigration status and potentially being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending the outcome of your criminal trial. As a result, not only do you need a lawyer who is experienced in defending individuals charged with crimes in New Jersey, but who understands the immigration-related risks of facing criminal charges as well.
10 Potential Consequences of Being Arrested as a Foreign Citizen in New Jersey
If you are a foreign citizen and you have been charged with a crime in New Jersey, here are 10 potential consequences of your arrest:
1. Fines
Criminal fines in New Jersey can range from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the alleged offense.
2. Jail Time or Imprisonment
Disorderly persons offenses can carry maximum jail sentences of 30 days to six months, while indictable crimes can carry maximum sentences of anywhere from 18 months to life in prison.
3. Probation, Community Service and Other Penalties
Criminal convictions in New Jersey can also lead to probation, community service, loss of driving privileges, mandatory education and therapy, and other administrative and criminal penalties.
4. Employment and Education-Related Consequences
A criminal conviction can significantly impair your ability to find work or complete your education in the United States.
5. ICE “Immigration Hold”
As mentioned above, one possible consequence of being arrested as a foreign citizen in New Jersey is that you will be detained by ICE while your case is pending. This is referred to as an “immigration hold,” and it can trigger other immigration-related consequences as well.
6. Loss of Green Card Eligibility
If you are convicted of an offense classified as an “inadmissible crime” by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you can lose your eligibility to secure an adjustment of status and obtain a green card.
7. Loss of U.S. Citizenship
A conviction for an “inadmissible crime” can also result in the loss of your U.S. citizenship, and, once you depart the United States, you will not be able to return.
8. Loss of Asylum Eligibility
If you are seeking asylum in the United States, a conviction for an “inadmissible crime” will result in the loss of your asylum eligibility.
9. Inability to Obtain Lawful Immigration Status
If you are in the United States illegally, a conviction for an “inadmissible crime” will render you ineligible to seek lawful immigration status.
10. Removal (Deportation)
Finally, in contrast to “inadmissible crimes,” certain crimes are classified as “deportable crimes” for U.S. immigration purposes. If you are convicted of a deportable crime, not only can you lose your immigration status, but you can also be forced to leave the United States.
Learn more about “inadmissible crimes,” “deportable crimes,” and the immigration-related consequences of facing a criminal conviction in New Jersey.
Speak with a New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer Experienced in Representing Foreign Citizens
Are you facing a criminal charge in New Jersey as a foreign citizen? To discuss your case with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers, call 877-435-6371 or request a confidential consultation online now.
Over 20 attorneys at HCK have extensive criminal defense experience as they were former assistant prosecutors and/or police officers for a combined total of over 600 years of law enforcement experience. You can find out more about them on our website, and you can call Managing Partner Ron Helmer on his cell phone at 609 685-0665.
