A non citizen charged with a theft crime risks serious penalties, including mandatory deportation. Anthony Pullara is a theft crime defense lawyer for immigrants who provides legal services to help avoid the consequences of a conviction. At our Los Angeles law office, we use substantial legal knowledge to effectively resolve allegations of theft while minimizing the potential impact of those allegations on immigration status.
When an immigrant is charged with a theft crime, it is critical that the sentence imposed or the sentence suspended is less than 365 days. If the potential sentence is more than 365 days, it is classified as an aggravated felony for immigration purposes. The individual will then be subject to mandatory deportation, barred from becoming a U.S. citizen and prohibited from entering the U.S.
Theft crimes can also negatively impact immigration status, because they are usually crimes of moral turpitude. Additionally, if the offense is for fraud or embezzlement, it is crucial to avoid a finding that the loss to the victim is more than $10,000.
To make these offenses immigration neutral, a defendant may pursue several strategies:
- Seeking to have the charges reduced: If the offense is petty and can be reduced to an infraction, it will have no impact in immigration court.
- Pursue a Civil Compromise: If the case is a misdemeanor, and the victim of the theft is reimbursed for their loss, the victim can then signs a declaration stating they have been made whole, and the court then has the discretion to dismiss the case.
- Fighting the charges at trial: Like other offenses, when a theft offense is charged, prosecutors must prove every element of the offense. Failure to prove even one element beyond a reasonable doubt can lead to a not guilty verdict. We examine every factual and legal aspect of your case, seeking ways to pick apart the government's case against you.
Our law firm frequently negotiates with prosecutors to help reduce the consequences of theft offenses so that they are considered immigration neutral. We know you want to remain here, with your family and with the life you are building, and we offer the services that can make that happen.
Contact Us
The Law Offices of Anthony J. Pullara in Los Angeles offers free initial consultations with our experienced California petty theft defense attorney. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us today at 213-784-4504 or contact us online to speak with a California petty theft defense lawyer.
Credit cards accepted.
Our Location
Law Offices of Anthony J. Pullara
633 West 5th Street, Suite 2800
Los Angeles
CA
90071
Phone: 213-784-4504
Los Angeles Law Office
