FACING A CRIMINAL CHARGE?

For those with work visas, immigrants with permanent resident status or those looking to become U.S. citizens, certain types of criminal convictions (often violent crimes) can result in deportation. Furthermore, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) carefully considers criminal history when determining whether to grant visas, citizenship and other immigration-related benefits to applicants.

Because criminal history plays such a key role in determining immigration matters, it's important to consider all options for sealing or expunging your criminal record to avoid removal and to improve your chances of obtaining or retaining a visa.

Whether you are working in Pennsylvania on a temporary visa, are attending college in Philadelphia or have lived in the U.S. for years as a permanent resident and wish to become a citizen, even a minor criminal charge can be a big problem.

Whether you can obtain an expungement depends on various factors, including the type of crime you're charged with. Attorney John Della Rocca can explain the benefits of obtaining an expungement and how it pertains to your immigration status.

Having your criminal record expunged can make it easier to find a job and qualify for housing, but when it comes to immigration matters, there are other important factors to consider. For example, even a non-deportable offense (perhaps a misdemeanor for a nonviolent crime) can impact your ability to obtain citizenship and permanent residence and other immigration matters.

As a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney with 20 years of experience handling a wide variety of cases - including record-clearing issues such as expungements and pardons - John can work with you to pursue an expungement to improve your chances of legally remaining in the U.S.