Area of Practice

Criminal
Immigration Law

Protecting Your Immigration Future When Criminal Charges Threaten Your Status

Crimmigration is the intersection of criminal law and immigration law—an area of growing importance for non-citizens facing criminal charges in the United States. Even minor or pending criminal offenses can have life-changing immigration consequences, including detention, denial of green cards, visa revocation, inadmissibility, and even deportation.

At Herman Legal Group, we provide strategic legal advice and defense to non-citizens who are either facing criminal charges or need post-conviction relief. With decades of experience in both criminal and immigration law, we help you understand the full impact of a criminal case on your immigration status—and protect your future in the United States.

Understanding Crimmigration: Why It Matters

Non-citizens are subject to unique immigration penalties for criminal conduct that U.S. citizens are not. Charges that seem minor—such as shoplifting, possession of marijuana, or domestic disputes—can result in:

  • Removal (deportation) proceedings
  • Denial of naturalization (citizenship)
  • Ineligibility for green cards or adjustment of status
  • Revocation of permanent resident status
  • Travel restrictions and visa denials at U.S. embassies

The stakes are especially high for individuals with pending immigration petitions, green card holders (LPRs), students (F-1), H-1B workers, DACA recipients, and asylum applicants.

Consequences of Pending Criminal Charges

We work directly with criminal defense attorneys, immigration clients, and their families to:

  • Analyze pending criminal charges and their potential immigration consequences
  • Advise on plea agreements that may help preserve immigration options
  • Provide letters or expert opinions to criminal courts about the immigration impact
  • Explore post-conviction relief, expungements, or motions to reopen
  • Strategically time immigration applications (e.g., green card or naturalization) based on criminal history

Every case is unique, and a conviction for a “crime involving moral turpitude” (CIMT), drug offense, aggravated felony, or domestic violence can be devastating—so early legal intervention is critical.

Types of Criminal Issues We Handle in Crimmigration Cases

  • DUIs and DWIs
  • Drug possession or trafficking
  • Domestic violence or assault
  • Theft, burglary, or shoplifting
  • Weapons charges
  • Immigration fraud or identity theft
  • Probation violations
  • Juvenile offenses

Post-Conviction Relief and Motions to Vacate

In some cases, it may be possible to go back and correct past criminal convictions that now threaten your immigration status. We work with experienced criminal law partners to:

 

  • File motions to vacate based on constitutional violations or ineffective assistance of counsel
  • Seek expungements or record sealing when available

Explore 212(c) relief or 440 motions in New York and similar remedies in other states

Defense in Removal Proceedings Based on Criminal Grounds

If you are in immigration court due to a past or current criminal issue, we will build a strong defense strategy. We may pursue:

 

  • Cancellation of Removal for permanent residents or non-permanent residents
  • Adjustment of status with waivers
  • Asylum, Withholding of Removal, or CAT protection
  • Post-conviction relief as part of a coordinated strategy
  • Prosecutorial discretion or deferred action, depending on case and policy

How We Work with Criminal Defense Lawyers

We collaborate closely with your criminal defense counsel to:

 

  • Provide a detailed immigration consequence analysis (Padilla consultations)
  • Help structure plea deals that avoid mandatory deportation triggers
  • Advise courts and prosecutors of long-term immigration harm
  • Maintain consistency between criminal and immigration records

Whether you are an individual accused of a crime or an attorney seeking crimmigration expertise for your client, Herman Legal Group is ready to support your case.

Who Needs a Crimmigration Lawyer?

Anyone facing criminal charges who is not a U.S. citizen should consider hiring a crimmigration lawyer. Even minor offenses can have serious immigration consequences, including deportation or loss of status. A skilled crimmigration attorney can protect both your legal rights and your future in the United States.

Why Herman Legal Group?

Extensive Experience

Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Expertise

Aggressive Advocacy

Vigorous Representation for Your Rights

Trusted Experts

Deep Knowledge and Strong Trial Background

Top-Rated Excellence

AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Extensive Experience

Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Expertise

Aggressive Advocacy

Vigorous Representation for Your Rights

Trusted Experts

Deep Knowledge and Strong Trial Background

Top-Rated Excellence

AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Book Your Consultation

Honest Advice. Multilingual Team. Decades of Experience. Get the Clarity and Support you Deserve.

Contact us

Head Office OH

408 West Saint Clair Avenue, Suite 230 Cleveland, OH 44113

Phone Number

+1-216-696-6170

Email Address

richardtmherman@gmail.com

FAQS

Help & Support FAQs

Our Help & Support FAQs section is designed to answer your most common questions quickly and clearly. You’ll find step-by-step guidance, useful tips, and solutions to common issues all in one place. It’s the fastest way to get the help you need without waiting for support. Explore the FAQs to save time and get back to what matters.

Crimmigration is the intersection of criminal and immigration law, focusing on how criminal charges or convictions affect a person’s immigration status.A temporary visa allows you to work in the U.S. for a set time. A green card gives you permanent residence, allowing long-term work and travel rights.

A conviction can lead to deportation, inadmissibility, visa denial, or loss of lawful status, depending on the nature of the offense.

Yes, in some cases. An attorney skilled in crimmigration can work to reduce charges, vacate convictions, or seek legal relief to protect your status.The PERM process can take 6–12 months or more, including recruitment, audit risks, and processing time by the Department of Labor.

A crimmigration lawyer understands both criminal defense and immigration law, allowing them to create strategies that protect you in court and preserve your right to remain in the U.S.