- Two systems criminal penalties and immigration consequences are separate.
- Before the plea immigration effects must be addressed before, not after.
- Coordinated counsel Keil Defense works with an immigration attorney on these issues.
For a non-citizen, a criminal case is not just about the criminal penalty - it can carry immigration consequences that are sometimes more serious than the sentence itself. A plea that seems minor in criminal court can trigger removal, bar re-entry, or block a path to status. Because these consequences turn on both criminal and immigration law, they have to be considered together, before any plea, not after.
Criminal and immigration consequences are separate
A criminal case is decided under criminal law, but its immigration effects are governed by federal immigration law. The same plea can look minor in one system and severe in the other. The U.S. Supreme Court in Padilla v. Kentucky recognized that a defendant is entitled to be advised about the immigration consequences of a plea - which is why these issues must be flagged from the start.
Criminal defense, with immigration coordination
Keil Defense handles the criminal case and, for non-citizen clients, works closely with an experienced immigration attorney to understand how a given outcome would affect immigration status. Keil Defense does not provide immigration representation itself - the goal is a criminal defense strategy informed by the immigration consequences, coordinated with immigration counsel.
Aim for a disposition that protects both
Where possible, the objective is a resolution that protects a client's position in both systems - sometimes an alternative charge or disposition can avoid an immigration consequence that a standard plea would trigger. That requires identifying the issue early and coordinating before any plea is entered.
What is at stake
- Possible removal (deportation), detention, or inadmissibility
- Effects on green card, visa, naturalization, or DACA status
- Consequences that can outlast the criminal sentence itself
- Pleas that seem minor in criminal court but are severe for immigration
What the defense examines
- Your immigration status and how the charge could affect it
- Whether a plea is a crime involving moral turpitude or an aggravated felony for immigration purposes
- Whether an alternative disposition could avoid the immigration consequence
- Coordinating the criminal defense with immigration counsel before any plea
- Timing - these issues must be addressed before, not after, a plea
Updated May 18, 2026 · Law verified as of May 18, 2026. This article is general information about Minnesota law, not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a criminal case affect my immigration status?
Yes. For a non-citizen, a criminal case can carry immigration consequences - including removal, detention, or inadmissibility - that are sometimes more serious than the criminal penalty itself.
Do you handle the immigration case too?
No. Keil Defense handles the criminal matter and coordinates closely with an experienced immigration attorney on how a given outcome would affect immigration status. The criminal defense is informed by the immigration consequences, but immigration representation is handled by immigration counsel.
Why does it matter before I plead?
Because immigration consequences are much harder to fix after a plea. The U.S. Supreme Court in <em>Padilla v. Kentucky</em> recognized a defendant's right to be advised of these consequences, and sometimes an alternative disposition can avoid a consequence that a standard plea would trigger - but only if it is addressed first.
I'm not a citizen and I'm facing charges - what should I do?
Tell your criminal defense lawyer about your immigration status before entering any plea, so the criminal case can be coordinated with immigration counsel and handled with those consequences in mind.
Can I travel internationally with a criminal record?
It depends on the destination and your record. A U.S. passport is generally not revoked for most convictions, but each country sets its own entry rules - Canada, for example, can deny entry over a single DWI. If your case is still pending, your release conditions may also limit travel. Check both your conditions and the destination's rules before making plans.
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Read the guideThe information on this article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.