Every criminal defense lawyer who represents a non-U.S. citizen defendant has a specific legal duty to provide accurate advice about the immigration consequences of a plea. Cal. Penal Code § 1016.3(a). This training provides an overview of how to meet your legal and ethical duties for noncitizen clients and represent non-citizens in criminal proceedings. We will discuss the roles and duties of defense, prosecutors, and court; how the defense of a non-citizen varies from that of a citizen; and how to identify immigration-safe alternatives for misdemeanors and felonies. We will also explain the different statuses a noncitizen can hold in the United States (such as DACA status and permanent resident status); show you how to identify immigration-safe pleas and give you realistic plea options that would lessen or eliminate immigration consequences for your noncitizen clients. Trainers are experts in California crimes and immigration.
08/01/2024