For decades, The Legal Aid Society has advised on the impact of criminal prosecutions on non-citizen clients. Our Criminal Immigration attorneys are experts on the intersection of criminal and immigration law. They provide in-house assistance to our Criminal Defense attorneys – from immediate advice at arraignments to consultations at each step of a case. The unit also provides post-conviction relief for non-citizen clients, with a focus on those who face disproportionately harsh and unfair immigration consequences due to marijuana convictions and other low-level arrests.

Our Criminal Immigration attorneys conduct regular trainings for our Criminal Defense Practice staff in this ever-changing area of law. Our goal is to ensure that our clients are fully advised of the collateral consequences of an arrest on their immigration status and that the best possible outcomes are achieved and that whenever possible, families remain together.

Our Impact

Alongside our Community Justice Unit, our Criminal Immigration attorneys regularly work with community organizations to educate New Yorkers about the consequences of arrests and conduct Know Your Rights trainings for non-citizens.