DUI Immigration Lawyer

DUI and Immigration Consequences in California

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are serious offenses in California, carrying penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. For non-citizens, however, a DUI charge can also have significant immigration consequences. These consequences can affect a person’s ability to remain in the United States, gain lawful permanent residence, or re-enter the country after traveling abroad.

Immigration law is complex, and the intersection of criminal charges like DUI with immigration status can be challenging to navigate. Non-citizens, including green card holders, temporary visa holders, and undocumented immigrants, face unique risks when charged with a DUI. Outcomes such as deportation, inadmissibility to the United States, or denial of immigration benefits may result from criminal convictions, making it critical to approach these cases carefully.

Immigration Risks for DUI Offenders

Adverse immigration consequences for non-citizens can arise in several ways:

Convictions and Guilty Pleas
A guilty plea to or criminal conviction for a DUI can trigger immigration consequences,  depending on the legal status of the non US citizen charged with a DUI.  Facts coupled with a DUI can also exacerbate immigration consequences.  DUIs with serious bodily injury may fall into the classification of a “crime involving moral turpitude” risk potentially being deemed an “aggravated felony” under immigration law resulting in removal proceedings.

Monetary Damages
DUIs resulting in third-party damages exceeding a certain financial threshold can exacerbate the immigration consequences.

Visa Revocations
In some cases, even a DUI arrest, without a conviction, can lead to visa revocation. U.S. consulates have been known to revoke nonimmigrant visas following a DUI arrest, particularly when the circumstances suggest a public safety risk. This can occur even before a formal conviction, complicating travel plans and immigration status.

Inadmissibility
Non-citizens seeking entry to the U.S. or applying for adjustment of status may face inadmissibility issues if their DUI charge involves drugs or other criminal conduct. Controlled substances-related DUIs are particularly problematic, as they may result in mandatory inadmissibility under immigration law.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Given the high stakes, it is crucial to consult an attorney with expertise in both DUI defense and immigration law. Many criminal defense attorneys lack the specialized knowledge necessary to navigate immigration implications effectively. Similarly, immigration attorneys may not have the skills to handle complex DUI cases.

Mark Blair is an attorney uniquely qualified to bridge this gap. As a former certified specialist in immigration and nationality law with decades of experience in DUI defense, he has helped thousands of clients address the dual challenges of criminal charges and immigration risks. Mark’s background includes managing thousands of immigration cases and sharing his expertise in over 500 immigration-focused radio broadcasts.

No other DUI attorney in the Bay Area matches Mark Blair’s depth of knowledge and experience in both fields, making him the ideal advocate for individuals facing DUI charges with potential immigration consequences.

The Law Office of Mark Blair | Bay Area DUI Law

Protects Your Future

With changes looming in Washington for immigration laws, it is imperative to protect your future in the United States.  If you are facing a DUI charge and are concerned about its immigration consequences, you need an attorney who can protect both your criminal and immigration interests. Contact Mark Blair for a free, confidential consultation. With over 39 years of experience and a proven track record of success, the Law Office of Mark Blair | Bay Area DUI Law and his team are prepared to safeguard your rights and your future.

DISCLAIMER: The results of any person’s DUI case described on this web site and/or in the Bay Area DUI Law newsletter depend on factual and legal circumstances that are unique to a specific person. Information provided by this web site and/or the Bay Area DUI Law newsletter does NOT constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Any reference to laws, procedures, punishment or license consequences at court or the DMV in this web site and/or Bay Area DUI Law newsletter is NOT intended to be complete description of what can and will happen in any or every DUI case but instead is a simplified summary to facilitate the reader’s understanding of general issues involving DUI law. The law is in constant change; penalties and consequences change; as such, the reader should not and cannot rely upon anything mentioned in this web site and/or Bay Area DUI Law newsletter. The reader is strongly advised to seek competent legal counsel to ascertain the law, penalties and consequences that apply to his/her unique circumstances.