The Impact of Criminal Cases on Green Card Renewal | Los Angeles Immigration Lawyer Explains: Why You Must Handle Criminal Charges Properly

Renewing your U.S. Green Card may seem like a routine process, but if you’ve ever been involved in a criminal case or have a criminal record, things can become much more complicated.
Even minor offenses can raise red flags with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and potentially lead to Green Card revocation or deportation proceedings.

👉 That’s why it’s crucial to handle any criminal case carefully and with the help of an experienced attorney—your immigration future depends on it.

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1️⃣ Why Criminal Cases Affect Green Card Renewal

When you submit your Green Card renewal application (Form I-90), USCIS reviews your entire criminal and immigration history.
If they find any arrests, charges, convictions, or unresolved cases, they may:

• Delay or deny your renewal;
• Refer your case to ICE; or
• Initiate removal proceedings.

Even if your Green Card has not yet expired, certain criminal convictions can still result in the loss of permanent resident status.

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2️⃣ Types of Crimes That Cause Immigration Problems

The following types of offenses are most likely to trigger immigration consequences:

• Aggravated felonies – violent crimes, drug trafficking, major fraud (over $10,000);
• Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT) – theft, fraud, assault with intent to harm;
• Drug-related offenses (except for one-time possession of under 30g of marijuana);
• Domestic violence or restraining order violations;
• DUI with aggravating factors, such as injury or child endangerment.

👉 Even misdemeanors can affect your Green Card if they involve moral turpitude or violence under immigration law.

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3️⃣ Case Dismissed ≠ No Problem

Many people believe that a dismissed or “not guilty” case won’t affect them — but USCIS may still request additional documents or question your moral character.
For example:

• Applications filed while a case is still pending are often delayed;
• Expunged or sealed cases can still appear in immigration databases;
• Failure to disclose an arrest or court outcome may be viewed as misrepresentation.

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4️⃣ Why You Must Handle Criminal Cases Properly

A criminal case handled improperly can directly affect your immigration status.
Many Green Card holders assume that paying a fine or completing probation means the issue is over — but in reality:

• Some minor state offenses are deportable crimes under federal law;
• A lawyer who doesn’t understand immigration law can accidentally cause deportation or denial of citizenship;
• Immigration law and criminal law are separate systems, and only a crimmigration attorney (experienced in both) can properly protect your rights.

🛑 If you or a family member are facing criminal charges, contact a lawyer familiar with immigration consequences immediately — before it’s too late.

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5️⃣ How Perliss Law Firm Can Help

At Perliss Law Firm, our team combines criminal defense and immigration law expertise to help clients:

• Defend criminal charges while minimizing immigration risks;
• Prepare documentation for Green Card renewal;
• Provide court records, rehabilitation proof, and character letters;
• Communicate directly with USCIS or ICE to protect your status.

We have successfully helped numerous clients across Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley renew their Green Cards safely and avoid deportation.

📞 Call us today: (626) 300-8688
🌐 Visit: perlisslaw.com