New York Immigration Defense Lawyer

If you are a non-U.S. citizen who has been accused of a crime, enlisting the help of a New York immigration defense attorney is crucial to the outcome of your case and your entire future. Not only are you at risk of criminal penalties such as imprisonment, fines and more, you also risk losing your right to remain living and working in the United States. You may also be barred from future entry, citizenship or asylum. The Portela Law Firm, P.C. has extensive experience with not only criminal cases but also immigration defense and combines both areas of law to develop the most strategic approach to your unique situation.

Criminal Defense for Immigrants

With an exemplary level of professional ability and ethics, the firm is committed to delivering this quality of representation to every client. The legal team can help with cases involving:

DWI
A DWI conviction can result in imprisonment, fines, the suspension or revocation of your driver's license and more. If aggravated circumstances are present, such as driving without a license or a suspended license, or multiple DWI convictions, removal proceedings may be initiated against you. Click here to learn more about DWI...

Child Abuse
Being accused of child abuse places your freedom, reputation, relationships, career, access to your children and immigration status at risk. Child abuse is considered a crime of moral turpitude and a compelling defense is vital to protect your freedom, quality of life and your immigration rights. Read more about child abuse...

Aggravated Felonies
Aggravated felonies are those crimes which can have a significant effect on your immigration status, such as removal from the United States or refusal of future entry, citizenship or asylum. Which crimes are considered aggravated felonies continues to change and may also differ for certain crimes depending on the circumstances of the specific incident in question. Learn about aggravated felonies...

Drug Crimes
Drug crimes can involve possession, sales, cultivation or manufacturing, transportation, importation, trafficking, prescription fraud and drug conspiracy. Depending on the circumstances, certain drug crimes may be considered federal crimes or felonies and may result in the initiation of removal proceedings, making skilled legal representation imperative. Read more about drug crimes...

Sex Crimes
Sex crimes include offenses such as rape, sexual assault, child molestation, child pornography, internet sex crimes, prostitution, solicitation, public lewdness, burglary with intent to commit sexual assault and more. As well as imprisonment, consequences can include lifetime registration as a sex offender and can result in your deportation. Learn about sex crimes...

Theft Crimes
Theft crimes can include burglary, robbery, shoplifting, breaking and entering, carjacking, larceny, unauthorized use of credit cards and more. In some cases, they may be charged as felonies and threaten your right to stay in the country as well as endanger additional immigration rights. Click here to read more about theft crimes...

Violent Crimes
Violent crimes refer to those which involve the use, attempted use or threatened use against another person or their property. Crimes such as murder, manslaughter, assault, domestic violence and aggravated robbery are considered violent crimes. These carry harsh penalties and can have devastating effects on your immigration status. Learn about violent crimes...

Domestic Violence
Domestic violence accusations are typically followed up aggressively by law enforcement officers, who can choose to press charges even if the alleged victim does not wish to do so. This places you in a precarious position as regards the criminal proceedings against you as well as your immigration status and rights. Read more about domestic violence...

Firearms Offenses
Firearm offenses include criminal possession of a weapon, unlicensed handgun possession, illegal sale of firearms and more. A defense may take into account your unawareness of the illegality of your situation, or other factors, or an illegal search may invalidate the case against you. The firm will address not only your criminal charges but also their potential effect on your immigration rights. Read about firearms offenses...

Fraud Related Offenses
Fraud related offenses include insider trading, tax fraud, bankruptcy fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, forgery, identity theft, internet fraud, insurance fraud, health care fraud, mail fraud and more. If you are accused of fraud, you may face federal or felony charges and risk being removed from the United States. Learn more about fraud related offenses...

Dedicated Criminal Defense for Non-Citizens

Many of the firm's cases have gained media coverage through many outlets. The founder of the firm, Manuel Portela, has appeared as a guest legal commentator on Court TV, WB WPIX, Channel 11 News and various television news reports. He is also a legal commentator on Spanish network television programs Minerva S.O.S., MicroInternational Television and Contacto. This type of professionalism and expertise on behalf of the firm's attorneys and staff has the highest legal rating possible for professional ability and ethics. The legal team approaches each client and each case with this degree of quality representation and aggressively pursues your best interests in your criminal and immigration matters.

If you are an alien who has been charged with a crime, contact a New York immigration defense attorney right away.