Will They Deport Me for Drunk Driving?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, the thought of being deported is a scary thing; and, committing a crime can be cause for deportation. If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving (DUI or DWI), consult an immigration attorney who will work with your criminal defense attorney. Drunk driving is a serious issue.
Does DUI = Direct Deportation?
Sometimes a conviction for drunk driving will lead to deportation or removal proceedings; however, it others, it may not. For example, if you killed or injured someone while driving drunk or you have been convicted of drunk driving several times, drove without a license, or there were other aggravating factors, deportation may be an issue. In other words, your arrest for DUI/DWI may or may not directly lead to you to deportation or removal proceedings. It depends upon the circumstances.
Does DUI = Indirect Deportation?
If you are arrested for drunk driving, your arrest may show up on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) radar. If you are not legally in the country or are removable for another reason, you may be subject to deportation. In other words, your arrest for DUI/DWI may bring you to the attention of ICE who will investigate whether you are in legal status and/or have any other reason to be deported.
Other Potential Immigration Related DUI Consequences
Besides deportation or removal proceedings, a drunk driving conviction may have other serious consequences as well:
- You may be placed in jail for weeks or months during removal proceedings.
- Drug or alcohol problems can limit your immigration options.
- Immigration judges will likely look unfavorably upon drunk driving convictions when exercising discretion in your case.
- DUI/DWI will have an impact on your application for release on a bond.
Where to Get Help if You’ve Been Arrested for Drunk Driving
If you are not a U.S. citizen and you have been arrested for either DUI or DWI, it is likely in your best interest to consult both an immigration attorney and a criminal defense attorney. A conviction for drunk driving, with aggravated circumstances, may lead to removal proceedings and deportation. And, there are other serious immigration consequences as well.
Immigration is a very specialized area of law; be sure your attorney focuses his or her practice on immigration and helping people like you avoid deportation and other serious consequences of DUI and DWI convictions.
We focus our practice on immigration law and help people just like you.
Your next step is to contact our office: 513-791-1673 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We will represent you in court and front of the Department of State, as needed; and we will aggressively fight for your legal rights. You are not alone.