Immigration Consequences of Theft Charges for Non-US Citizens in Miami

If you’re not a U.S. citizen and have been charged with theft in Miami-Dade County, you face more than potential jail time and fines. A theft conviction can trigger severe immigration consequences, including deportation. Our Miami criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting non-citizens from the devastating effects of theft charges on their immigration status.

How Theft Charges Impact Your Immigration Status

For non-citizens, even a minor shoplifting offense classified as a misdemeanor can be considered a “crime involving moral turpitude” (CIMT) under immigration law. This designation can:

  • Make you deportable from the United States
  • Render you inadmissible if you travel abroad
  • Block you from obtaining citizenship
  • Prevent you from renewing your green card
  • Disqualify you from certain forms of immigration relief

Why Standard Plea Deals Can Be Immigration Traps

Many prosecutors offer first-time offenders plea deals that sound attractive—probation instead of jail time, or withholding of adjudication. However, these standard deals often fail to consider immigration consequences. What helps a U.S. citizen might still trigger removal proceedings for a non-citizen.

For example, a plea of “no contest” with adjudication withheld can still count as a conviction under immigration law, even though it’s not considered a conviction under Florida law. This misalignment between state criminal law and federal immigration law creates dangerous pitfalls.

Defending Against Theft Charges as a Non-Citizen

We approach theft cases involving non-citizens differently than cases for U.S. citizens. Our defense strategy focuses on:

Preventing Immigration Consequences

  • Negotiating pleas specifically structured to avoid triggering deportation
  • Pursuing dismissal or reduction to non-deportable offenses
  • Avoiding admissions that could impact immigration status

Building Strong Defense Cases

  • Challenging surveillance footage and witness identifications
  • Demonstrating a lack of intent to steal
  • Exposing improper police procedures
  • Presenting evidence of mistaken accusations

Working with Immigration Counsel

  • Coordinating with immigration attorneys on plea negotiations
  • Understanding current immigration court precedents
  • Structuring resolutions that preserve immigration options

Common Theft Charges Facing Non-Citizens in Miami

Shoplifting/Retail Theft

Many non-citizens face charges for allegedly taking merchandise from stores. Even small-value shoplifting can trigger immigration consequences if handled improperly.

Employee Theft

Accusations of stealing from employers are particularly serious since they may be viewed as crimes of dishonesty under immigration law.

Credit Card Fraud

Using someone else’s credit card or making unauthorized purchases can result in both theft and fraud charges that severely impact immigration status.

Grand Theft

Theft of property valued at $750 or more becomes felony grand theft, dramatically increasing both criminal and immigration consequences.

Why You Need Experienced Criminal Defense

The intersection of criminal and immigration law creates complexity that many attorneys don’t fully understand. Our criminal defense team has successfully represented countless non-citizen clients by:

  • Analyzing charges for potential immigration impact
  • Identifying defense strategies that protect immigration status
  • Negotiating with prosecutors who may not understand immigration consequences
  • Preparing strong motions and defenses focused on dismissal
  • Structuring pleas that minimize immigration risks when appropriate
  • Coordinating with immigration counsel throughout the case

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights and Status

If you’re a non-citizen facing theft charges in Miami, time is critical. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney can:

  • Prevent damaging statements to law enforcement
  • Preserve key evidence supporting your defense
  • Create more options for immigration-safe case resolution
  • Reduce the risk of detention during the case
  • Allow time for thorough case preparation

Contact Our Miami Criminal Defense Team

We understand the unique challenges and high stakes non-citizens face when charged with theft offenses. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to protect both your freedom and your ability to remain in the United States.

Don’t risk your immigration status by working with attorneys without experience defending non-citizens. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your case. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and develop a strategy focused on achieving the best possible outcome for both your criminal case and immigration status.

CALL US for a FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or take a moment to fill out our secure intake form. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the better your chances of resolving these charges favorably. The additional information you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.*

*Due to the large number of people who contact our law office requesting our assistance in theft crime cases, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry promptly and appropriately.

ALWAYS INVESTIGATE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HIRING A THEFT LAWYER FOR YOUR PROPERTY CRIMES CASE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY