Crimmigration in Riverside: How a Criminal Conviction Can Lead to Deportation
Facing criminal charges as a noncitizen in Riverside, CA? Learn how criminal convictions can trigger deportation—including to third countries like Sudan—and why you need an experienced crimmigration attorney.
🚨 Criminal Conviction = Deportation Risk
In California—and especially places like Riverside—noncitizens convicted of crimes, even misdemeanors, can be placed in removal proceedings. Under Padilla v. Kentucky (2010), criminal defense attorneys must advise noncitizen clients of the potential immigration consequences of a guilty plea, including deportation.
Certain offenses are "deportable crimes" under U.S. immigration law:
Aggravated felonies (like cocaine possession, burglary, or violent offenses)
Crimes involving moral turpitude (e.g., theft, fraud)
Domestic violence, DUI, or controlled-substance possession
Even misdemeanors like petty theft or DUI can lead to removal if they meet federal criteria. Convictions—even from years ago—can trigger arrest, mandatory detention, and deportation. In Nielsen v. Preap, the Supreme Court confirmed that ICE can detain immigrants years after serving their criminal sentence.
Supreme Court OKs Deportation to Third‑Party Countries
In a major shift, the June 2025 Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for deportations to third countries—places immigrants may have never lived or visited. That means individuals can be deported somewhere other than their country of origin.
🔗 ICE may deport migrants to countries other than their own with just six hours’ notice
🔗 U.S. border czar says he doesn't know fate of eight men deported to South Sudan
🔗 Breaking Down the News: Supreme Court Allows DHS to Deport People to Countries They Are Not From
These changes disproportionately affect immigrants with criminal records—even low-level or non-violent offenses. The Department of Homeland Security is now actively deporting individuals to third countries like South Sudan, using temporary holding countries like Djibouti.
Why This Matters in Riverside
Riverside County has a vibrant immigrant population—including families from Sudan, Eritrea, El Salvador, and Mexico. These communities are now at risk of facing expedited removal under policies allowing deportation to countries they do not belong to—often with less than 24 hours' notice.
A simple criminal charge in California can trigger a domino effect:
Arrest → 2. ICE Detainer → 3. Immigration Hold → 4. Expedited Removal
If you or your loved one is not a U.S. citizen and facing criminal charges in Riverside, even a minor offense could lead to permanent separation from your family, detention, or deportation to a dangerous third country.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal‑Immigration Attorney
✅ 1. Padilla-Compliant Defense
We ensure that your criminal case is handled with full awareness of immigration risks. Under Padilla, your lawyer must protect you from unexpected consequences of a guilty plea.
✅ 2. Crimmigration Experience
As an attorney who focuses on both criminal defense and immigration, I negotiate plea deals that avoid deportable offenses and safeguard your future.
✅ 3. Post-Conviction Relief
If you already have a conviction, I can evaluate your eligibility for:
Motion to vacate a conviction
Immigration-safe resentencing
Appeals or cancellation of removal
✅ 4. Humanitarian Relief & Asylum Protections
If you're facing deportation to a dangerous country, you may be eligible for:
Withholding of removal
Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection
Asylum, if you meet certain criteria
Take Action Now—Before It’s Too Late
📍 If you live in Riverside County and are facing criminal charges or ICE involvement, contact my office immediately. A prompt defense can mean the difference between staying with your family—or being deported to a place you’ve never known.
💼 I’m Erica White, a former prosecutor and now a dedicated criminal and immigration attorney. I serve Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties. My mission is to protect immigrants from unjust removal through strategic and compassionate defense.
📞 Call now to schedule a consultation: (626)720-1429
