Virginia DWI defending requires keeping collateral consequences in mind

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Virginia DWI defending includes being aware of the accused’s risks for immigration and traveling abroad

Virginia DWI defending includes being aware of the accused’s risks for immigration and traveling abroad. As a Virginia DUI lawyer, I know that the Supreme Court requires a defense lawyer to consider immigration risks from a criminal conviction. Padilla v. Kentucky, 559 U.S. 356 (2010). On top of that, some DUI defendants rely on being able to travel abroad, and a DUI conviction (for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, under Va. Code § 18.2-266 ) can interfere with that, at least for traveling to Canada. When the defense lawyer does not know those risks, s/he should be ready to check with a qualified immigration lawyer or to advise the defendant to do so.

Virginia DWI defending should consider the defendant’s specific immigration status

Virginia DWI defending calls for the Virginia DUI lawyer to consider the defendant’s specific immigration status, for instance United States citizen, permanent resident / green card holder, asylum applicant, non-immigrant visa holder (for instance F-1 student visa, H-1B professional visa (or H-4 visa for spouse of the latter visa holder), and diplomatic visa), tourist visa, and undocumented. For starters, a Virginia DUI conviction can mean needing to wait a full five years before a green card holder may apply for citizenship, based on that minimum length of time needed to show good moral character. Multiple alcohol-related convictions can expose a non-United States citizen to being treated as a habitual drunkard, which runs counter to the good moral character requirement for obtaining United States citizenship and for defending against deportation. Generally, non-immigrant visa holders can face adverse consequences from even one DUI conviction, and can even face issues while such a prosecution is pending.

Does a Virginia DUI conviction harm my ability to travel to Canada and other countries?

Always consider the possible travel-abroad hurdle that a Virginia DUI or other conviction may have on your ability to travel abroad. Canada, for instance, has strict limits on admitting into that country those with DWI convictions, particularly when the conviction is new. A wet reckless conviction can also be a problem. Relief may be sought from that government to be able to resume travel there sooner rather than later. Virginia DWI defending calls for Virginia DUI lawyers and their clients to consider in advance possible adverse collateral consequences from DUI convictions.

What are the other possible adverse collateral consequences from a Virginia DUI c0nviction?

A Virginia DUI conviction can also adversely affect security clearance status, health care licensing, and status with the military, let alone one’s reputation. Virginia DWI defending calls for Virginia DUI lawyers to address with their clients the extent to which a DUI conviction might adversely affect them collaterally, and to reduce those risks.

What do I do to avoid adverse collateral consequences from a Virginia DUI conviction?

Part of Virginia DWI defending is to obtain a qualified Virginia DUI lawyer who is fully experienced and capable with such defense, and who will defend you to the hilt. Fairfax DUI lawyer Jonathan Katz has been successfully defending hundreds of DWI defendants, with this representing around one-third of his law practice. Call 703-383-1100 for your free in-person consultation with Jon Katz about your court-pending case.

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Posted in DWI / DUI and tagged habitual drunkard, Virginia DWI defending

His care and dedication can be seen in the results that he provides for his clients

Jon Katz is a Top-Notch defense attorney who is dedicated to his clients. He understands that each case is unique and uses his knowledge of DUI, Reckless Driving, and Criminal Law to ensure the best possible outcome regardless of the situation. He is always willing to share his knowledge of the law and the court system, which benefits those around him. He is easy to work with. His care and dedication can be seen in the results that he provides for his clients, and for other attorneys who frequently refer clients to him.

Dawn Beebe
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Mr Jon is an example of what an ideal attorney should be. He handled my case with professionalism

I was going through such a tough time with my case and did not want to have to worry about all the legal details involved with it. I had legal attorneys in the past who did not listen to my concerns or have the patience to deal with all the intricacies of what I was going through. Jon from the Fairfax County court helped me through all of it. Not only did he listen, he cared. He made sure to provide everything I needed whilst going through such a stressful time. I believed it would take so much longer due to the complexity of my case, but he managed to close the case in the span of 2 days. I thank him for getting to the end of the case in such a timely manner. I highly recommend him as your legal attorney.

Anon.
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I can’t explain in words how much Jon fought for me.

Let me begin by saying that finding a good attorney is among the hardest decision I had to make but finding a top-notch attorney even harder. When I was looking for an attorney, I was looking for the number 1, and Jon Katz is that and much more. His will, dedication, humbleness, thrill to fight for you and knowledge of the law is among the finest I seen.

As many of you, I made bad decisions. My case was a very complex one to the point that my reputation, career, and everything I worked for was on the line. The case got so complicated that I could have end a good time in prison. Sometimes I had doubts about how things will end up. However, one thing I had zero doubts was on who I had on my side as my Attorney. I trusted Jon all the way. I remember going with Jon for my first hearing and noticed how Jon walked around the court room like he owns it. I don’t go to court rooms often, but I can tell you not many people walk to rooms with authority & confidence, but Jon Katz does.

To finalize, do your homework. Jon will tell you straight up what you need to do to help your case. Just do it, and the rest leave it to Jon as he will fight for you to the death. And when I mean he will fight; I can’t explain in words how much Jon fought for me. Jon completely saved my reputation. His negotiation with the prosecutor & detectives was the an outstanding outcome. Stop searching any further, and call Jon Katz (El Gato). You will be in excellent hands.

A.C.
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