Essential Crimmigration FAQs for Defense Counsel

Clear, Case-Specific Guidance for Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal & Immigration Legal Solutions, LLC provides fast, reliable, and defensible immigration consequence analysis for attorneys representing noncitizen clients.

​​I​t is easy to get lost in the nuances of the intersection of criminal defense and immigration concepts. Learn more about how we can help you create a defense strategy.

What Our Consultation Services Provide

Tailored Analysis for Every Jurisdiction

Our practice is built to give criminal defense attorneys timely, case-specific immigration analysis that strengthens advocacy, reduces uncertainty, and meets ethical obligations under ​​Padilla v. Kentucky. The questions below explain how our services work, what you can expect, and how we support your case from the first call through final advisals.​

What is Padilla v. Kentucky, and why does it matter in my case?

Padilla v. Kentucky is the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision that requires criminal defense attorneys to advise noncitizen clients about certain potential immigration consequences of a plea. The Court made clear that immigration impact is not a “collateral” issue in a criminal matter. Therefore, advising on the potential immigration impact is necessary for effective assistance of counsel.

For defense attorneys, this means:

• A generic warning of potential immigration consequences is not enough when the outcome is clear.
• When the consequences are complex or depend on specific statutory elements, seeking a Padilla consultation helps ensure your advice is both correct and defensible.

Our role is to support you in meeting those obligations so you can advise your client confidently.

What services does Criminal & Immigration Legal Solutions, LLC provide?

We provide targeted immigration consequence consultations for criminal defense attorneys. What we provide, includes:

• Case-specific immigration consequence analysis
• Written or verbal advisals on charges and plea options
• Statutory analysis connecting state criminal law with federal immigration law
• Risk assessments for removability, inadmissibility, and relief eligibility
• Second opinions on complex or borderline issues

Our narrow focus allows us to deliver fast, accurate, and defensible guidance you can rely on.

Who are your consultations designed for?

Our services support criminal defense attorneys representing non-citizen clients at any stage of a case, whether the client has been newly arrested, is considering a plea offer, or is navigating the immigration impact of a past conviction.

Attorneys rely on us for:

• Clarifying possible immigration consequences
• Analysis to fulfill ethical obligations under Padilla v. Kentucky
• Guidance that helps clients make informed, confident decisions
• Risk assessments that inform negotiations and case strategy

We work with attorneys nationwide, including public defender offices, private firms, and nonprofit organizations.

Do you work directly with clients?

We work with clients as part of a consultation requested by their attorney. We do not take on clients independently or provide long-term legal representation. When appropriate, we may speak with the client to gather context, clarify goals, or explain potential immigration outcomes. Our role is to support the defense team, not replace it.

How quickly can I receive a consultation?

We understand that criminal cases move quickly. Most consultations are completed within a prompt turnaround window, often within days, depending on the case’s complexity and available documentation.

To ensure efficiency, attorneys are encouraged to share:

• Charging documents
• Criminal history
• Plea offers
• Relevant police reports
• Any available immigration history or prior applications

The more complete the information, the faster and more precise the analysis.

What information do you need to evaluate a case?

Each case differs, but helpful materials often include:

• Current charges and statutory citations
• Criminal history and prior pleas
• Proposed plea agreements
• Sentencing exposure
• Client’s immigration status or past applications
• Notes on client goals (e.g., avoiding deportation, preserving eligibility for relief)

Even with limited information, we can still provide a strategic, preliminary analysis based on the available facts.

Do you provide written reports?

Yes. Every consultation includes a clear written analysis outlining:

• Relevant state criminal statutes
• Applicable immigration categories (grounds of deportability, inadmissibility, bars to relief)
• Potential risks and opportunities
• Options to mitigate immigration impact
• Practical guidance for discussing outcomes with the client

Attorneys receive written materials designed to be integrated into their case strategy.