Criminal Defense of Immigrants

Firearms offenses may fall within a number of different categories of aggravated felony.  The most common examples include (a) firearms trafficking,[118] (b) specified offenses involving firearms and explosives,[119] (c) crimes of violence,[120] and (d) drug trafficking.  For a discussion of these aggravated felony categories, see Chapter 19, supra.

[118] INA § 101(a)(43)(C), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(C).

[119] INA § 101(a)(43)(E), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(E).

[120] INA § 101(a)(43)(F), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F).  See, e.g., Reyes-Alcaraz v. Ashcroft, 363 F.3d 937 (9th Cir. Apr. 8, 2004) (California conviction of exhibiting a deadly weapon with intent to resist arrest, in violation of California Penal Code § 417.8, is a crime of violence and thus an “aggravated felony” under 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F), for immigration purposes).