immigration
May 9, 2026
Many people need to obtain a copy of their California criminal record for employment, professional licensing, immigration matters, background checks, firearm eligibility reviews, or simply to verify what appears on their record. In the practice of a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney and a Los Angeles Post-Conviction Attorney, we frequently help clients confirm that their criminal history was properly updated after post-conviction relief was granted by the court. This issue commonly arises after a conviction has been vacated, dismissed, expunged, reduced to a misdemeanor, or otherwise modified under California law, including relief granted under California Penal Code sections 1016.5 and 1473.7 for immigration-related consequences. Even after a judge signs an order granting relief, it is important to verify that all […]
Read more »
December 7, 2024
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests occurring within state courts. This troubling trend impacts a wide range of individuals, from those seeking justice to those simply trying to fulfill their legal obligations. State courts are meant to be spaces where people can seek legal recourse and address critical matters without fear. However, ICE activity in these environments is creating significant challenges for vulnerable individuals, including: Why Is This Happening? ICE has increasingly focused on state courts as locations to apprehend individuals because these venues provide access to people who may already be navigating legal systems. Unfortunately, this practice undermines the principle that everyone—regardless of immigration status—deserves access to justice without […]
Read more »
June 21, 2023
One of the biggest challenges for immigration to the US is a conviction for “aggravated felony”. An aggravated felony is a term of art created by Congress that guarantees deportation and prevents the usage of most immigration defenses. For example, under 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii), any alien who is convicted of an aggravated felony at any time after admission is deportable. A list of aggravated felonies is provided in the US code and sometimes often explained by case law. 8 USC 1001 defines many immigration terms including part (43) which defines “aggravated felony” to include: (A) murder, rape, or sexual abuse of a minor; (B) illicit trafficking in a controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21), including a […]
Read more »