New York DWI and Deportation Defense Lawyer

Driving While Intoxicated and Immigration Consequences

A driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving while ability impaired by drugs charge for a non-U.S. citizen can have serious immigration ramifications.

Under state law, these will include not only hefty fines but also suspension/revocation of your driver’s license as well as vehicle forfeiture and of course imprisonment.  Other factors that can make what is a serious charge even more serious include but are not limited to:

• A traffic accident involved with injuries;
• Prior arrest for DWI or DWAI
• An attempt to flee from the authorities; and
• Operating with a commercial driver’s license.

Because of such serious consequences, you need immediate representation of a proactive lawyer who can seek to lessen or eliminate the detrimental impact that this charge may have particularly if you have a non U.S. citizen.

A non-U.S. citizen facing charges of DWI or driving while ability impaired by drugs should know that there may be immigration consequences in the event of a conviction even though these charges are from the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (and not from the New York Penal Code).

For example, a single conviction of DWI may render one ineligible for defered action for childhood arrivals (DACA).  This is because under the eyes of immigration law, a DWI conviction in New York may be viewed as a “significant misdemeanor.”  One conviction for a “significant misdemeanor” will result in a criminal bar against deferred action.

What you may think is a simple DWI criminal charge may result in possible deportation or serious consequences! Before you make any plea agreement, you need to fully understand the ramifications of the plea in relation to your immigration status.  There are certain crimes that are considered crimes of moral turpitude or aggravated felonies and those will seriously impact your immigration status or application.

Do not waste time in contacting a superb-rated immigration lawyer to help you with your DWI case in relation to immigration consequences.   Call (646) 930-4488 for a consultation today.