California Criminal Defense of Immigrants - Detailed Table of Contents

Detailed Table of Contents

Concepts, Terms, and Definitions

I. THE MISSION OF THIS BOOK §1.1

A. For Criminal Counsel §1.2

B. For Immigration Counsel §1.3

C. For Both Specialties §1.4

II. THE PROBLEM PADILLA INTENDS TO ADDRESS §1.5

III. BASIC PROCEDURE TO PROTECT NONCITIZEN DEFENDANTS §1.6

IV. SIGNIFICANCE OF STATE LAW §1.7

V. DEFINITIONS §1.8

A. Immigration Status §1.9

B. Coming to the United States §1.10

C. Criminal Immigration Concepts §1.11

D. Procedural Terminology §1.12

VI. RESOURCES §1.13

Investigating Immigration Consequences

I. IMMIGRATION STATUS §2.1

A. Identifying U.S. Citizens and Nationals §2.2

1. Birth in United States or Certain Territories §2.3

2. Derivative or Acquired Citizenship §2.4

3. Naturalization §2.5

4. U.S. Nationals §2.6

5. Nondeportable Persons §2.7

B. Investigating Noncitizens

1. Status §2.8

2. Equities §2.9

3. Criminal History §2.10

4. English Proficiency §2.11

5. Cultural Background §2.12

6. Criminal Versus Immigration Goals §2.13

7. Responses to Questioning §2.14

C. Sources of Information

1. Client Interview §2.15

a. Considerations Before Interview §2.16

b. Interview Goals §2.17

2. Interpreter §2.18

3. Family and Friends §2.19

4. Immigration Records §2.20

5. Criminal History Reports §2.21

6. Criminal Court Records §2.22

7. Former Criminal Counsel §2.23

8. Cultural Expert §2.24

9. Consular Officials §2.25

10. Foreign Investigation §2.26

D. Categories §2.27

1. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) §2.28

2. Non-Immigrant Visa Holders §2.29

3. Refugees and Persons Granted Political Asylum §2.30

4. Undocumented or Deportable Persons Hoping to Obtain Lawful Status §2.31

5. Noncitizens Who Will Be Removed §2.32

E. Form: Defendant Immigration Questionnaire—Basic Information §2.33

II. LANGUAGE AND CULTURE §2.34

A. Duties to Non-English-Speaking Client §2.35

1. Selecting an Interpreter §2.36

2. Paying the Interpreter §2.37

3. Questioning the Interpreter §2.38

4. Qualifying the Interpreter §2.39

5. Supervising the Interpreter §2.40

6. Maximizing Effectiveness of the Interpreter §2.41

7. Making a Record §2.42

B. Reference Material for Specific Cultures §2.43

III. PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY §2.44

A. Plea Records §2.45

B. Court Trial Records §2.46

C. Jury Trial Records §2.47

D. Post-Conviction Records §2.48

E. Federal Convictions §2.49

F. Other Documents §2.50

IV. CURRENT CRIMINAL CASE §2.51

V. DEFENSE STRATEGY §2.52

A. Preparation §2.53

B. Significant Criminal Events §2.54

C. Significant Immigration Events §2.55

D. Chart: Sample Chronology §2.56

E. Analysis and Use of Chronology §2.57

Consulting Experts and Resources

I. LEGAL RESEARCH §3.1

A. Where to Begin §3.2

B. Immigration Counsel §3.3

1. Weighing Expert Immigration Experience §3.4

2. Screening §3.5

C. Other Resources §3.6

1. Websites §3.7

2. Professional Associations §3.8

3. Publications §3.9

D. Post-Conviction Counsel §3.10

II. COLLABORATION BETWEEN IMMIGRATION AND DEFENSE COUNSEL §3.11

A. Determining Immigration Status and Consequences of Current Case

1. Basic Immigration Status Questionnaire §3.12

2. Immigration Effect of Criminal Offenses: DIRS §3.13

B. Developing Strategy for Current Case

1. Identify Adverse Consequences of Individual Offenses §3.14

2. Assess the Collective Effect of Multiple Offenses §3.15

3. Set Realistic Goals §3.16

a. Avoiding Immigration Detention §3.17

b. Maintaining Lawful Immigration Status §3.18

c. Retaining Freedom to Travel §3.19

d. Preserving Eligibility for New Immigration Status §3.20

4. Consider a Post-Conviction Strategy §3.21

III. WEIGHING CRIMINAL DEFENSE AND IMMIGRATION GOALS §3.22

IV. PRIORITIZING CONFLICTING GOALS §3.23

V. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES §3.24

A. Conviction §3.25

1. Immigration Definition §3.26

2. Categorical Analysis to Determine Nature of Conviction §3.27

a. Single Offense Statute: Categorical Approach §3.28

b. Multiple Offense (Divisible) Statute: Modified Categorical Analysis §3.29

(1) Record of Conviction §3.30

(2) Factual Basis of Plea §3.31

3. Looking at Facts to Determine Nature of Conviction §3.32

B. Conduct and Admissions §3.33

1. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude §3.34

2. Controlled Substance Offenses §3.35

3. Substance Abuse or Addiction §3.36

4. Alcohol-Related Offenses §3.37

5. Illicit Drug Trafficking §3.38

6. Prostitution and Commercialized Vice §3.39

7. False Claims of U.S. Citizenship §3.40

8. Admissions During Pleas or Sentencing §3.41

VI. MINIMIZING IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §3.42

A. Avoid a Conviction §3.43

B. Minimize the Maximum Sentence §3.44

C. Avoid Sentence Enhancement §3.45

D. Minimize Length of Actual Sentence Ordered §3.46

E. Minimize Level of Conviction §3.47

F. Minimize the Restitution Ordered §3.48

G. Minimize Fine Imposed for Conviction §3.49

H. Minimize Other Direct and Indirect Criminal Consequences of Conviction §3.50

VII. CRIMINAL CONSEQUENCES OF IMMIGRATION STATUS §3.51

Immigration Detention

I. IMMIGRATION AND CRIMINAL DETENTION §4.1

II. IMMIGRATION HOLD OR DETAINER; CALIFORNIA TRUST ACT §4.2

A. Legal Basis for Issuing Detainers §4.3

1. Officials Who Can Issue ICE Detainers §4.4

2. Standard for Issuance of ICE Detainer §4.5

3. ICE Policy: Offenses for Which a Detainer Should Not Issue §4.6

B. Lawful Duration of Detainer §4.7

C. Remedies for Violation of 48-Hour Rule §4.8

D. Resources on Detainers §4.9

III. IMMIGRATION DETENTION §4.10

IV. MANDATORY DETENTION §4.11

A. Noncitizens Subject to Mandatory Detention §4.12

1. Effective Date §4.13

2. Grounds §4.14

B. Constitutionality §4.15

C. Requirement That ICE Arrest Noncitizen at Time of Release From Criminal Custody §4.16

V. IMMIGRATION BOND PROCEDURES

A. Setting Bond §4.17

B. Bond Hearing §4.18

VI. CRIMINAL DETENTION OF NONCITIZENS

A. Bail Determinations §4.19

B. Jail Security Classification §4.20

VII. STRATEGIES FOR AVOIDING AN ICE HOLD AND DETENTION IN JAIL §4.21

A. Avoiding or Removing an ICE Hold

1. Advise Defendant to Remain Silent §4.22

2. Keep Defendant Out of Custody §4.23

3. Limit Information Available to ICE §4.24

4. Ask ICE to Cancel Hold §4.25

a. Cancel Hold Imposed on U.S. Citizen §4.26

b. Cancel Hold Imposed on Noncitizens Who Are Not Yet Removable §4.27

c. Cancel Hold as a Matter of Discretion §4.28

B. Avoiding Detention Pursuant to an ICE Hold

1. Research Whether TRUST Act Prohibits Detention Pursuant to ICE Hold §4.29

a. When a Jailer May Detain Pursuant to ICE Hold §4.30

(1) Offenses That Permit ICE Detention Pursuant to an ICE Hold §4.31

(2) Offenses That Do Not Permit ICE Detention Pursuant to an ICE Hold §4.32

(3) Juveniles and the TRUST Act §4.33

(4) Local Policies May Provide Greater Protection Than TRUST Act §4.34

(5) Jailer May Exercise Discretion Despite ICE Hold §4.35

b. Remedies for Wrongful Detention in Jail Pursuant to ICE Hold §4.36

2. Seek Immigration Bond and Defendant’s Release From Criminal Custody §4.37

a. Release From Criminal Custody §4.38

b. Immigration Bond Hearing §4.39

3. Obtain Defendant’s Release When ICE Fails to Pick Up Defendant Within 48 Hours §4.40

4. Advise Defendant About Voluntary Departure §4.41

5. Obtain a Disposition That Will Not Trigger Mandatory Immigration Detention §4.42

6. Challenge the Detainer §4.43

C. Avoiding a Detainer After Sentencing §4.44

1. Obtain Post-Conviction Relief From the Conviction §4.45

2. Obtain Post-Conviction Relief From the Sentence §4.46

3. Bond Defendant Out of Both Criminal and Immigration Custody §4.47

4. Obtain Release if ICE Fails to Pick Up Defendant Within 48 Hours §4.48

VIII. AVOIDING MANDATORY DETENTION §4.49

A. Screen Defendant for Prior Criminal or Immigration History That Triggers Mandatory Detention §4.50

B. Obtain a Disposition That Does Not Trigger Inadmissibility or Deportability §4.51

C. Argue Defendant Was Not Taken Directly From Criminal to Immigration Custody §4.52

D. Seek Post-Conviction Relief §4.53

E. Seek a Ground of Removal That Does Not Trigger Mandatory Detention §4.54

IX. BRINGING DEFENDANT FROM IMMIGRATION CUSTODY TO CRIMINAL CUSTODY §4.55

A. Before Trial §4.56

1. Transportation Orders §4.57

2. Departure Control Order §4.58

B. After Deportation §4.59

C. After Illegal Re-Entry §4.60

X. ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES TO ATTEND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS §4.61

XI. IMMIGRATION DETENTION OF JUVENILES §4.62

Safe Havens for Criminal Pleas and Sentences

I. SAFE HAVENS §5.1

A. Definition of Safe Haven §5.2

1. Conviction-Based Grounds of Removal §5.3

2. Conduct-Based Grounds of Removal §5.4

B. Types of Safe Haven §5.5

1. Defendants Who Cannot Be Removed §5.6

2. Dispositions That Are Not Convictions §5.7

3. Convictions That Do Not Trigger Removal §5.8

4. Convictions That Do Not Trigger Mandatory Detention §5.9

5. Dispositions That Preserve Eligibility for Relief §5.10

II. FINDING SAFE HAVENS §5.11

A. Identifying Potential Safe Havens §5.12

1. Types of Offenses §5.13

2. Nexus Between Conduct and Offense of Conviction §5.14

B. Analyzing Elements and Minimum Conduct of Conviction §5.15

C. Confirming Conviction Is Safe §5.16

1. ILRC Chart & Notes §5.17

2. Chapters 6–13 §5.18

3. Immigration Counsel §5.19

D. Memorializing Exact Target Disposition §5.20

III. CONSTRUCTING SAFER DISPOSITIONS §5.21

A. Immigration Status Identifies Priorities §5.22

B. Burdens of Proof in Immigration Proceedings §5.23

C. Length of Criminal Sentence Can Affect Immigration Consequences §5.24

D. Aggravated Felonies Result in Most Severe Consequences §5.25

1. Sentence-Based Aggravated Felonies §5.26

2. Other Aggravated Felonies §5.27

E. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) May Result in Adverse Immigration Consequences §5.28

1. Deportability §5.29

2. Inadmissibility §5.30

Assault and Battery Offenses

I. ASSAULT AND BATTERY OFFENSES §6.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §6.2

A. Deportable Offenses §6.3

1. Crime of Violence Aggravated Felony

a. “Crime of Violence” §6.4

b. Aggravated Felony §6.5

2. Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §6.6

B. Inadmissibility §6.7

1. Aggravated Felony §6.8

2. Moral Turpitude §6.9

a. Single Moral Turpitude Conviction §6.10

b. Multiple Convictions With Aggregate Sentence of 5 Years §6.11

C. ICE Detention §6.12

D. Immigration Relief §6.13

1. Permanent Residents §6.14

2. Undocumented Immigrants §6.15

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §6.16

A. Defending Permanent Residents §6.17

1. Plead to Nonviolent Conduct §6.18

2. Plead to Statute Involving Mere Negligence or Recklessness §6.19

3. Obtain Sentence Under 365 Days §6.20

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants §6.21

Burglary Offenses

I. BURGLARY OFFENSES §7.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §7.2

A. Aggravated Felonies §7.3

1. Crime of Violence Aggravated Felony §7.4

2. Burglary Aggravated Felony §7.5

3. Attempted Theft Aggravated Felony §7.6

B. Crime Involving Moral Turpitude §7.7

C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention §7.8

1. Permanent Residents §7.9

2. Undocumented Immigrants §7.10

D. Immigration Relief §7.11

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §7.12

A. Defending Permanent Residents §7.13

1. Avoid Sentence of 365 Days §7.14

2. Plead to Commercial Burglary (Pen C §§459, 460(b)) §7.15

3. Avoid Plea to Unlawful Entry §7.16

4. Plead to “Intent to Commit Larceny or Any Felony” §7.17

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants §7.18

1. Avoid an Aggravated Felony Conviction §7.19

2. Avoid Conviction of a Crime of Moral Turpitude §7.20

Controlled Substance Offenses

I. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSES §8.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §8.2

A. Deportable Offenses §8.3

1. Controlled Substance Offense §8.4

2. Aggravated Felony Drug Trafficking §8.5

3. Drug Abusers and Addicts §8.6

4. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude §8.7

B. Offenses Causing Inadmissibility §8.8

1. Controlled Substance Offense §8.9

2. Crime Involving Moral Turpitude §8.10

3. “Reason to Believe” Illicit Drug Trafficking §8.11

4. Current Drug Addict or Abuser §8.12

C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention §8.13

1. Legal Permanent Residents §8.14

2. Undocumented Immigrants §8.15

D. Immigration Relief §8.16

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §8.17

A. Defending Permanent Residents §8.18

1. Avoid a Conviction §8.19

2. Plead to a Non-Drug Offense §8.20

3. Plead to an Unidentified Drug §8.21

4. Plead to a Single Offense of Possessing 30 Grams or Less of Marijuana §8.22

5. Avoid an Aggravated Felony; Obtain Relief §8.23

6. Avoid Providing Evidence of Drug Abuse or Addiction §8.24

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants §8.25

1. Avoid a Conviction §8.26

2. Plead to a Non-Drug Offense §8.27

3. Plead to an Offense Involving a Specific Controlled Substance Not on Federal Schedules §8.28

4. Avoid an “Admission” of a Controlled Substance Offense §8.29

5. Avoid “Reason to Believe” Drug Trafficking; Obtain Relief §8.30

6. Avoid Providing Evidence of Current Drug Addiction or Abuse §8.31

Domestic Violence Offenses

I. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSES §9.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §9.2

A. Deportable Offenses §9.3

1. “Crime of Domestic Violence” §9.4

2. Stalking Offenses §9.5

3. Child Abuse Offenses §9.6

4. Violation of a Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order §9.7

B. Aggravated Felony Crime of Violence §9.8

C. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §9.9

D. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention §9.10

E. Immigration Relief §9.11

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §9.12

A. Defending Permanent Residents §9.13

1. Avoid a Crime of Violence §9.14

2. Obtain a Sentence of Less Than 365 Days §9.15

3. Avoid Evidence of Protected Relationship or Age of Minor Victim §9.16

4. Plead to Single Act of Nonviolent Stalking §9.17

5. Avoid Conviction for Violating a Temporary Restraining Order §9.18

6. Avoid Moral Turpitude Intent to Inflict Significant Bodily Harm §9.19

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants and Deportable Permanent Residents §9.20

DUI Offenses

I. DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OFFENSES §10.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §10.2

A. Crime of Violence Aggravated Felony §10.3

B. Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §10.4

C. Crime Involving Controlled Substances §10.5

D. Inadmissibility §10.6

1. Physical or Mental Disorder §10.7

2. “Habitual Drunkard” §10.8

E. Possible Bar to Asylum or Withholding of Removal §10.9

F. Bar to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals §10.10

G. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention §10.11

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §10.12

A. Permanent Residents Who Are Not Deportable

1. Plead to Veh C §23152(a), (b), or (d) §10.13

2. Avoid Possible Moral Turpitude Conviction §10.14

B. Undocumented Immigrants; Deportable Permanent Residents §10.15

Firearms Offenses

I. FIREARMS OFFENSES §11.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §11.2

A. Deportability §11.3

1. Aggravated Felonies

a. Illicit Trafficking in Firearms §11.4

b. Listed Firearms Offenses §11.5

c. “Crime of Violence” §11.6

2. Firearms Deportation Ground §11.7

3. Crime of Domestic Violence or Child Abuse §11.8

4. Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §11.9

B. Inadmissibility §11.10

C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention §11.11

D. Immigration Relief §11.12

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES

A. Defending Permanent Residents §11.13

1. Plead to Nontrafficking Conduct §11.14

2. Plead to Statute That Has No Federal Analogue §11.15

3. Plead to Undesignated Weapon §11.16

4. Plead to Statute Under Which Antique Firearms Have Been Prosecuted §11.17

5. Obtain a Sentence Less Than 365 Days for a Crime of Violence §11.18

6. Plead to Owning or Possessing a Firearm §11.19

7. Plead to a Statute With a Mental State of Negligence or Recklessness §11.20

8. Avoid Evidence of Protected Relationship or Victim Under Age of 18 §11.21

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants §11.22

Sex Offenses

I. SEX OFFENSES §12.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §12.2

A. Deportability §12.3

1. Aggravated Felony §12.4

a. Sexual Abuse of a Minor §12.5

b. Rape §12.6

c. Crime of Violence §12.7

d. Prostitution Business §12.8

e. Child Pornography §12.9

2. Child Abuse §12.10

3. Domestic Violence §12.11

4. Importing Persons for Prostitution §12.12

5. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §12.13

B. Inadmissibility §12.14

1. Prostitution §12.15

2. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §12.16

C. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention §12.17

D. Immigration Relief §12.18

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §12.19

A. Defending Permanent Legal Residents §12.20

1. Avoid Aggravated Felony

a. Sexual Abuse of a Minor

(1) Plead to an Age-Neutral Statute §12.21

(2) Plead to Nonharmful Conduct §12.22

b. Rape §12.23

c. Crime of Violence

(1) Obtain Sentence Less Than 365 Days §12.24

(2) Plead to Insufficient Violence or Intent §12.25

(3) Plead to Consensual Sex With a Minor Age 15 or Older §12.26

2. Avoid Deportable Offense

a. Crimes of Child Abuse §12.27

b. Crimes of Domestic Violence §12.28

3. Avoid Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §12.29

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants §12.30

1. Avoid Inadmissibility

a. Pattern and Practice of Prostitution §12.31

b. Moral Turpitude Crimes Related to Prostitution §12.32

2. Avoid Aggravated Felony §12.33

Theft Offenses

I. THEFT, RECEIPT OF STOLEN PROPERTY, AND FRAUD OFFENSES §13.1

II. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES §13.2

A. Deportability §13.3

1. Aggravated Felonies §13.4

a. Theft §13.5

b. Receiving Stolen Property §13.6

c. Fraud or Deceit §13.7

2. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) §13.8

B. Inadmissibility §13.9

C. ICE Detention §13.10

D. Immigration Relief §13.11

III. SAFER PLEA STRATEGIES §13.12

A. Defending Lawful Permanent Residents §13.13

1. Avoid a Theft Aggravated Felony

a. Obtain Sentence Under 365 Days §13.14

b. Plead to Non-”Theft” Offense §13.15

c. Plead to Fraud With Loss of $10,000 or Less §13.16

2. Avoid a Fraud Aggravated Felony §13.17

3. Avoid Moral Turpitude Conviction §13.18

B. Defending Undocumented Immigrants §13.19

Negotiation and Entry of Plea

I. GOAL OF PLEA BARGAINING §14.1

II. FACTORS AFFECTING PLEA BARGAINING IN NONCITIZEN CASES §14.2

III. PREPARING FOR PLEA NEGOTIATIONS §14.3

A. Prosecutor’s Role §14.4

B. Defense Counsel’s Duties §14.5

C. Defendant’s Decision §14.6

D. Court’s Role §14.7

IV. IDENTIFYING TARGET DISPOSITION

A. Whether to Alert Prosecution or Court to Immigration Issues §14.8

B. Neutralizing Bias Against Noncitizens §14.9

1. Construct a Safe Haven §14.10

2. Criteria of Agreeable Safe Haven Dispositions §14.11

3. Secure the Safe Haven §14.12

a. Date of Conviction §14.13

b. Date of Offense §14.14

V. THE PLEA AGREEMENT

A. Binding Effect of Plea §14.15

B. Sentence Considerations §14.16

C. Restitution Issues §14.17

VI. THE PLEA HEARING

A. Advise Defendant of Consequences of Conviction and Disposition §14.18

B. Prepare Defendant to Speak §14.19

1. Record of Conviction §14.20

2. Oral Statements and Factual Admissions of Defendant §14.21

C. Entry of Plea §14.22

1. Guilty Plea §14.23

2. No Contest Plea §14.24

3. Plea Without Admission of Guilt §14.25

4. Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity §14.26

5. Slow Plea of Guilty §14.27

6. Dispositions Without Plea §14.28

D. Checklist: Safe Plea §14.29

E. Court’s Advice on Possible Immigration Consequences

1. Statutory Warning §14.30

2. Modified Warning §14.31

Litigation

I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS §15.1

II. MOTIONS §15.2

A. Fourth Amendment Motion to Suppress Evidence §15.3

B. Fifth Amendment Motion to Suppress Statements §15.4

C. Selective or Discriminatory Prosecution Motion §15.5

D. Motion to Dismiss for Deportation of Exculpatory Witnesses §15.6

E. Motion to Withdraw Plea or Set Aside Prior Conviction §15.7

F. Motion to Reduce “Wobbler” Offense to Misdemeanor §15.8

G. Motion to Strike Enhancement §15.9

III. JURY TRIAL §15.10

A. Jury Waiver §15.11

B. Jury Selection §15.12

C. Language Interpreter §15.13

D. Admissible Evidence §15.14

E. Jury Instructions §15.15

IV. CULTURAL DEFENSE §15.16

V. CULTURAL EXPERT §15.17

Sentencing

I. IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES OF SENTENCING

A. Four Main Areas of Concern §16.1

B. Definition of Sentence “Imposed” §16.2

C. Length of Sentence Imposed §16.3

D. Actual Length of Confinement §16.4

E. Probation or Parole Bar to Naturalization §16.5

F. Other Consequences of Sentencing §16.6

II. CONSIDERING Immigration Consequences AT Sentencing

A. The Court §16.7

B. The Prosecution §16.8

C. Defense Counsel §16.9

III. MinimizING Immigration Consequences §16.10

A. Avoid a Conviction §16.11

B. Avoid Expanding Nature of Conviction §16.12

C. Avoid Damaging Sentencing Order §16.13

D. Avoid Actual Service of Sentence §16.14

E. Minimize Maximum Sentence §16.15

F. Minimize Restitution Ordered §16.16

G. Minimize Level of Offense §16.17

H. Qualify for Post-Conviction Relief §16.18

I. Avoid Probation §16.19

J. Avoid Immigration Detention §16.20

K. Avoid Bars to Relief §16.21

IV. Effects of Immigration Status on Sentence §16.22

V. Mitigating Sentence §16.23

VI. Special Immigration-Related Proceedings §16.24

A. Early Release to Removal §16.25

B. Prisoner Transfer Treaties §16.26

Violations of Probation and Supervised Release

I. IMMIGRATION EFFECTS OF PROBATION VIOLATIONS §17.1

II. DEPORTATION FOR VIOLATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDER §17.2

III. INADVERTENT CREATION OF AGGRAVATED FELONY CONVICTION WITH PROBATION VIOLATION §17.3

A. With 1-Year Sentence or More Imposed §17.4

B. Regardless of Sentence §17.5

IV. PLEA BARGAINING TO MITIGATE ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES §17.6

A. Accept Custody Time on a New Offense §17.7

B. Accept Custody Time for Probation Violation §17.8

C. Waive Credits; Vacate Original Sentence §17.9

V. FINAL SENTENCE GOVERNS §17.10

Juvenile Proceedings

I. JUVENILE ADJUDICATIONS §18.1

II. DEFENSE STRATEGY

A. Investigate Case and Advise Client §18.2

B. Screen for Possible Immigration Relief §18.3

III. JUVENILE IMMIGRATION DETENTION §18.4

IV. PREVENTING ADVERSE IMMIGRATION CONSEQUENCES

A. Naturalize Minor Before Eighteenth Birthday §18.5

B. Do Not Admit Noncitizen Status §18.6

C. Avoid Damaging Facts and Admissions §18.7

V. JUVENILES IN ADULT COURT §18.8

Concluding the Criminal Case

I. DOCUMENT THE FINAL DISPOSITION §19.1

A. Correct the Criminal History Reports §19.2

B. Give Defendant Summary of Immigration Consequences §19.3

C. Keep the Case File §19.4

II. PROVIDE ADVICE CONCERNING TRAVEL §19.5

A. International Travel §19.6

B. Domestic Travel §19.7

III. PROVIDE ADVICE CONCERNING ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY §19.8

Post-Conviction Proceedings

I. POST-CONVICTION RELIEF §20.1

II. AVENUES TO POST-CONVICTION RELIEF

A. Vacating the Conviction §20.2

1. Legal Invalidity §20.3

2. Rehabilitation §20.4

3. Judicial Recommendation Against Deportation (JRAD) §20.5

4. Executive Pardon §20.6

B. Vacating or Modifying the Sentence §20.7

C. Reducing the Level of Offense §20.8

D. State Rehabilitative Relief

1. General Rule §20.9

2. Exception for Expungements in the Interests of Justice §20.10

3. Ninth Circuit Exception for Federal First Offender Act (FFOA) Qualified Convictions §20.11

a. Eligibility §20.12

b. Qualifying Offenses §20.13

c. Non-Qualifying Offenses §20.14

d. Multiple Simultaneously Obtained Convictions §20.15

e. Probation Violations §20.16

f. Foreign Convictions §20.17

4. Risk of Removal §20.18

III. STRATEGY FOR OBTAINING POST-CONVICTION RELIEF

A. Elements §20.19

1. Procedural Vehicle §20.20

2. Ground of Legal Invalidity §20.21

3. Safe Haven §20.22

4. Equities §20.23

B. Timing §20.24

C. Checklist: Post-Conviction Case Evaluation §20.25

IV. ATTACKING CONVICTIONS §20.26

A. Procedural Vehicles

1. Motion to Withdraw Plea Under Pen C §1018 §20.27

2. Direct Appeal §20.28

3. Habeas Corpus §20.29

4. Nonstatutory Motion to Vacate §20.30

5. Motion to Vacate Under Pen C §1016.5 §20.31

6. Coram Nobis §20.32

7. Dismissal Under Pen C §1385

a. Grounds for Dismissal §20.33

b. Who May Make the Motion §20.34

c. Timing of Dismissal §20.35

d. Immigration Effect of Dismissal §20.36

8. Dismissal Under Expungement Statutes §20.37

B. Grounds for Relief

1. Scope of Discussion §20.38

2. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel §20.39

a. Failure to Advise of Actual Immigration Consequences §20.40

(1) Scope of Advice §20.41

(2) Retroactivity of Padilla §20.42

b. Affirmative Misadvice of Immigration Consequences §20.43

c. Failure to Defend Against Immigration Consequences §20.44

d. Failure to Mitigate Level of Offense or Sentence §20.45

3. Invalid Waiver of Counsel §20.46

4. Court’s Failure to Warn of Potential Immigration Consequences §20.47

a. Sufficiency of Proof §20.48

b. Burden of Proof §20.49

c. Prejudice §20.50

d. Appellate Review §20.51

V. ALTERING THE SENTENCE AND LEVEL OF OFFENSE §20.52

A. Procedural Vehicles

1. Same Vehicles Used to Attack Convictions §20.53

2. Motion to Correct Void Sentence §20.54

3. Correction of Sentence Under Pen C §1170 §20.55

4. Motion to Shorten or Modify Probation §20.56

B. Grounds for Relief

1. Particular to Noncitizens §20.57

2. Ineffective Assistance at Sentencing §20.58

a. Failure to Seek Sentence of 6 Months or Less, Forfeiting Eligibility for Petty Offense Exception §20.59

b. Failure to Seek Aggregate Sentences of Less Than 5 Years, Rendering Client Inadmissible §20.60

c. Failure to Seek Actual Custody of 180 Days or Less, Barring Establishment of Good Moral Character §20.61

d. Failure to Seek Sentence of 364 Days or Less, Resulting in Aggravated Felony §20.62

3. Failure to Seek Judicial Recommendation Against Deportation §20.63

C. Reducing Felony to Misdemeanor §20.64

VI. REHABILITATIVE RELIEF

A. Effectiveness §20.65

B. Procedural Vehicles

1. No-Plea Drug Diversion Prior to January 1, 1997 §20.66

2. Rehabilitative Relief When Plea Was Entered §20.67

a. Deferred Entry of Judgment §20.68

b. Proposition 36 Drug Treatment §20.69

c. Expungement Under Pen C §§1203.4, 1203.4a §20.70

d. Expungement Under Pen C §1203.41 After Realignment Sentence §20.71

C. Travel Warning §20.72

Immigration Proceedings

I. SUBSTANTIVE IMMIGRATION LAW §21.1

A. Deportation §21.2

1. Who Is Subject to Deportation §21.3

2. Grounds of Deportation §21.4

a. Aggravated Felony Convictions §21.5

b. Controlled Substances Convictions §21.6

c. Convictions of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude §21.7

d. Firearms Convictions §21.8

e. Domestic Violence Convictions and TRO Violations §21.9

f. Other Grounds of Deportation §21.10

g. Alphabetical List of Aggravated Felonies §21.11

3. Burden of Proof §21.12

B. Inadmissibility §21.13

1. Who May Be Inadmissible §21.14

2. Grounds of Inadmissibility §21.15

C. Relief in Immigration Court §21.16

1. General Principles §21.17

2. Uncharged Convictions §21.18

3. Discretionary Decisions §21.19

II. REMOVAL PROCEDURE §21.20

A. Detention §21.21

1. General Principles §21.22

2. Mandatory Detention §21.23

B. Hearings in Immigration Court §21.24

1. Bond Hearing §21.25

2. Master Calendar Hearing §21.26

3. Individual (Merits) Hearing §21.27

4. Rulings In Absentia §21.28

5. Representation by Counsel §21.29

6. Burdens of Proof §21.30

a. Deportability §21.31

b. Inadmissibility §21.32

c. Relief §21.33

7. Conviction-Based Grounds of Removal §21.34

a. Conviction Under a Multi-Offense Statute §21.35

b. Minimum-Conduct Analysis §21.36

c. Conduct-Based Grounds of Removal §21.37

8. Evidence §21.38

C. Appeal §21.39

D. Review in Circuit Court §21.40

E. Motions to Re-Open Removal Proceedings §21.41

1. Motions to Re-Open §21.42

2. Motions to Reconsider §21.43

Immigration Relief

I. ASSESSING ELIGIBILITY FOR RELIEF §22.1

II. DEFENDANT RELIEF QUESTIONNAIRE §22.2

III. FORMS OF RELIEF

A. Acquired or Derived Citizenship §22.3

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.4

2. Additional Information §22.5

B. Naturalized U.S. Citizenship §22.6

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.7

2. Additional Information §22.8

C. Cancellation of Removal for Permanent Residents §22.9

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.10

2. Additional Information §22.11

D. Section 212(c) Relief §22.12

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.13

2. Additional Information §22.14

E. Family Immigration and Adjustment of Status §22.15

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.16

2. Additional Information §22.17

F. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) §22.18

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.19

2. Additional Information §22.20

G. Section 212(h) Waiver of Inadmissibility §22.21

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.22

2. Additional Information §22.23

H. Domestic Violence Waiver §22.24

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.25

2. Additional Information §22.26

I. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) §22.27

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.28

2. Additional Information §22.29

J. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) §22.30

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.31

2. Additional Information §22.32

K. “Ten Year” Cancellation for Nonpermanent Residents §22.33

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.34

2. Additional Information §22.35

L. Suspension of Deportation §22.36

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.37

2. Additional Information §22.38

M. Asylum and Withholding of Removal §22.39

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.40

2. Additional Information §22.41

N. Convention Against Torture (CAT)

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.42

2. Additional Information §22.43

O. Asylee and Refugee Status §22.44

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.45

2. Additional Information §22.46

P. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) §22.47

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.48

2. Additional Information §22.49

Q. NACARA Relief §22.50

R. Relief for HRIFA Dependents §22.51

S. Victims of Alien Traffickers: The “T” Visa §22.52

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.53

2. Additional Information §22.54

T. Victims of Crime: The “U” Visa §22.55

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.56

2. Additional Information §22.57

U. Informants: The “S” Visa §22.58

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.59

2. Additional Information §22.60

V. Amnesty Programs and Family Unity §22.61

1. Quick Eligibility Test

a. Pending Amnesty Applications §22.62

b. Family Unity Status §22.63

2. Additional Information §22.64

W. Registry §22.65

X. Non-Immigrant Visa Waiver of Inadmissibility §22.66

Y. Voluntary Departure §22.67

1. Quick Eligibility Test §22.68

2. Additional Information §22.69

IV. GOOD MORAL CHARACTER (GMC) §22.70

A. Quick Eligibility Test §22.71

B. Additional Information §22.72