Many residents of West Palm Beach are immigrants to the United States who are not citizens.
If you are one of these people and you get arrested for a crime, it will be important for you to speak with an attorney about your case and your options.
One reason it is so important to do so is that many crimes can also be grounds for the federal government to deport you. This is true for any noncitizen, even someone who is legally here as a green card holder.
There are many offenses that can lead to your deportation.
For example, certain felony offenses are grounds for deportation, and you may have only a few defenses.
While serious violent crimes and sex crimes are on this list, so are all felony drug trafficking charges. Possession of a large amount of an illegal drug with the intention of distributing it counts as drug trafficking.
Failing to appear in court after a felony charge and certain other so-called white-collar crimes also qualify.
Drugs, firearms and domestic violence crimes are grounds for deportation
You may also be deported for just about any conviction related to drugs, even if the charge is only a misdemeanor under Florida law and even if you have no criminal record. There is an exception for someone who possesses less than 30 grams of marijuana.
Likewise, any domestic violence or gun-related charge can lead to your deportation if you are convicted.
There are also other catch-all federal laws that can lead to your deportation for other criminal convictions.
