Shoplifting and Deportation in NYC
Drug offenses and violent
crimes are not the only types of criminal charges that can have profoundly
negative impacts on an individual’s immigrant status. Shoplifting is another
particularly serious charge that can have substantial repercussions. The
National Association for Shoplifting Prevention reports that more
than 10 million people have been caught shoplifting in the last five years.
Because an individual’s ability to legally remain in the United States might be
shaped by a shoplifting charge, individuals faced with a shoplifting conviction
frequently find it essential to retain the services of a skilled immigration
attorney like Robert J. Maher, P.C.
The Definition of Shoplifting
Many individuals are
unaware that shoplifting can include many more types of activities that merely
taking something from a store without first paying for the item. Shoplifting
charges can also involve acting as a lookout as well as other frauds including
manipulating price tags or returning items to a store that were not initially
purchased at the store.
The Consequences of Shoplifting on your Immigration Status
Shoplifting is often
classified as “a
crime of moral turpitude”, which is considered by government to violate the
standards of morality that are expected by individuals in a community.Not only
can a charge of shoplifting have negative implications for travel or visa
applications to the United States, for immigrants currently living in the
United States there are also other significant consequences including the
following risks:In some situations, individuals can even be deported for
shoplifting. There are many factors that will influence whether an individual
will be deported from the United States including:
· Crimes Committed Within Five Years. Individual who committed the crime of shoplifting five
years after being admitted to the United States are at particular risk of
deportation.
· Aggravated Felonies. Some shoplifting convictions are considered serious enough
to be classified as aggravated felonies for immigration purposes, which will
likely mean that an individual will have no relief from deportation and likely
will never be able to return to the United States.
· Illegal or Out of Status Individuals. For individuals who entered the United States illegally or
are out of status, an arrest for shoplifting will likely bring the individual
before the Immigration and Customs Enforcement who can deport an individual in
this type of situation even if the individual is not convicted of shoplifting.
Advice for Immigrants Charged with Shoplifting
There are several
important pieces of advice that individuals who are charged with shoplifting
should remember:
· Understand Plea Agreement Consequences. A skilled immigration attorney can help individuals
understand the consequences of a plea agreement before deciding whether to
accept a plea or proceed to trial.
· Contact A Talented Immigration Lawyer. Individuals should also try to consult with a knowledgeable
immigration attorney as soon as possible. During a first meeting with an
experienced immigration attorney, individuals should make sure to bring all
important paperwork regarding the offense.
Obtain the Services of a Skilled New York and New Jersey
Immigration Attorney
If you have been charged
with shoplifting and are an immigrant, it is an extremely wise idea to obtain a
seasoned and knowledgeable immigration attorney today like Robert J. Maher, PC.
The legal team at Robert Maher Law understands the exact implications that a
shoplifting charge can have on an individual’s immigration status. Contact
hesitate to contact attorney Robert Maher today either online or by calling (212) 939-7548.
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