Can You Be Deported for Traffic Violations?

In today’s America, there is an increased focus on undocumented migrants. Many migrants now fear for their lives in the United States due to an increase in scrutiny by the current administration and immigration agencies. These concerns, however, are not without merit. There are increasingly more cases being reported about migrants facing removal for seemingly minor offenses. So, if you are an illegal immigrant, can you be deported for traffic violations?

Deportation for Minor Infractions: A Growing Trend

This worry is evident in cases such as Jorge Franco in Nevada. A native of Guatemala, Franco had been living in the United States for the previous 12 years, and was traveling to the birth of his child when police stopped him for unpaid traffic tickets. Franco was detained and held for five days by police before being transferred to Henderson Detention Center. The center has a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for detaining immigration detainees.

According to guidelines by the Trump administration, illegal immigration enforcement is a priority. What though, happens to those with traffic violations in Florida?

Deportation and Traffic Violations

What types of crimes resort in deportation? As a rule of thumb felony crimes will likely result in removal once the sentence is served. Felony convictions are the number one reason for the deportation of illegal immigrants in the U.S.

Misdemeanor crimes also are a reason ICE commonly cite to deport illegal immigrants. Misdemeanor crimes include both drug and alcohol violations, as well as other charges such as loitering or trespassing. These crimes are considered “bad behavior”, and if ICE can prove a person leads a bad lifestyle – either through gang affiliation or a string of adverse decisions and choices – the person may face deportation. In cases involving a misdemeanor charge, immigrants should seek a withholding of adjudication, which keeps them from being convicted unless they are arrested on another charge at a later date.

The good news is that the state of Florida does not deem a traffic violation appropriate grounds for deportation. These violations are considered minor, and as such do not offer the necessary evidence to classify an offender as a “bad person”. This classification means, if you are an undocumented migrant and find yourself on the side of the road for speeding, you can breathe just a little bit easier.

Arrested and Fear Deportation? Contact Piotrowski Law Today

Facing deportation following an arrest can be an extremely worrying situation. Starting a new life in America, only to have it vanish due to a minor offense, is a nightmare scenario for anyone. If you face deportation, you need an experienced criminal defense and immigration attorney on your side.

Chap Piotrowski is a dogged and determined defender of the rights of those arrested and facing deportation. A former prosecutor in Miami-Dade, Chad has the unique ability to anticipate prosecution techniques and craft the perfect defense for his clients.

If you are facing deportation, call South Florida’s premier criminal defense attorney. Call Piotrowski Law today at 305-204-5000 for a free consultation about your case.