How Criminal Defense Lawyers Use Certificates of Disposition for Immigration Cases
Criminal defense lawyers play a critical role in helping non-citizen clients navigate the complex immigration consequences of criminal arrests, charges, and convictions. One of the most important tools at their disposal is the certificate of disposition – an official court record that provides critical details about the outcome of a criminal case.This article will explain what certificates of disposition are, why they’re so important in immigration cases, and how criminal defense attorneys use them to advocate for their clients. We’ll also look at common scenarios where these records come into play and review some best practices for obtaining them.
What Is a Certificate of Disposition?
A certificate of disposition, sometimes called a certified court record or abstract of conviction, is an official document issued by a criminal court summarizing the outcome of a specific case. It typically includes information like:
- Defendant’s name, date of birth, case number
- Original charges filed
- Any plea agreements made
- Final conviction and sentence details
- Date the case was disposed or closed
The “certified” part means the clerk of court has formally verified the document is an accurate summary of the case records. This usually involves stamping the document with the court seal.Certificates of disposition provide authoritative proof to USCIS and immigration courts of how a criminal case was resolved. This detailed picture is critical for determining potential immigration consequences down the road.
Why Certificates of Disposition Matter in Immigration Cases
Under immigration law, almost any encounter with the criminal justice system can trigger adverse consequences. Arrests, guilty pleas, convictions, sentences – they can all affect someone’s immigration status and eligibility for future benefits.When a non-citizen applies for a green card, visa, or other immigration benefit, they must disclose their entire criminal record. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) then conducts extensive background checks.Any evidence of criminality discovered can lead to:
- Denial of the immigration application
- Removal proceedings and deportation
- Permanent inadmissibility to the U.S.
To avoid dire outcomes, the non-citizen must provide certificates of disposition detailing the resolution of any criminal arrests or charges. The immigration officials use these records to fully investigate the applicant’s background and make fair, informed decisions.
How Defense Lawyers Use Certificates of Disposition
Competent criminal defense attorneys understand the immigration implications their clients face. They take steps throughout the criminal case to mitigate negative consequences whenever possible.
Plea Agreements
During plea negotiations, the defense lawyer advocates for an outcome that avoids the harshest immigration penalties. Certain pleas and convictions trigger automatic removal, while others have no effect at all.The lawyer may also try to get criminal charges reduced or dropped entirely. This limits the damaging details that will later appear on the certificate of disposition.
Sentencing
At sentencing, the attorney argues for alternative punishments to straight jail time. Options like probation, suspended sentences, and rehabilitation programs are viewed much more favorably in immigration proceedings.Again, the goal is to shape what ultimately gets recorded on the client’s certificate of disposition.
Obtaining the Certificate of Disposition
After the criminal case concludes, the lawyer assists their client in obtaining clean certified copies of the disposition. They explain precisely which documents are needed from the court clerk and may even request the records on the client’s behalf.The attorney then reviews the finished certificate in detail. They ensure the contents accurately reflect the favorable plea deal or sentence negotiated in the criminal case.
Submitting the Records to Immigration Authorities
Finally, the lawyer includes the certificate of disposition when submitting immigration applications and responses. This provides the best evidence to immigration officials that their client’s criminal record is not a bar to the requested immigration benefits.
When Certificates of Disposition Are Required
Any time a non-citizen must disclose their criminal history to immigration authorities, corresponding certificates of disposition should be provided. Common scenarios include:
Green Card Applications
All family-based and marriage-based green card applicants must submit certificates of disposition for any arrests or convictions, no matter how minor.
Visa Applications
Non-citizens applying for temporary visas like the H-1B or F-1 must also disclose criminal records and provide certified court records. Some visas are more forgiving than others.
Naturalization Applications
Aspiring U.S. citizens applying for naturalization must demonstrate “good moral character.” Again, certificates of disposition help establish the full circumstances behind any criminal background issues.
Removal Proceedings
Non-citizens placed in deportation proceedings have the opportunity to request relief from removal. Certificates of disposition can help demonstrate rehabilitation and good character.
Detained Immigrants
Immigrants who are detained by ICE have a right to request bond to be released while their immigration case proceeds. The contents of a certificate of disposition may persuade the judge to grant bond.
How to Acquire a Certificate of Disposition
The process for getting a certificate of disposition varies by jurisdiction. The court clerk’s office that handled the criminal case is the only entity that can produce an official certified copy.In general, the applicant will need to provide:
- Their full name and date of birth
- Details like case number or original criminal charges
- Government-issued ID for identity verification
- Payment of any processing fees
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the court clerk to fulfill the request. The client may need to pick up the records in-person or have them mailed.If the case was dismissed or the defendant was acquitted, the clerk’s office may no longer have any records. The defense lawyer can assist in tracking down the necessary documents from other agencies like the prosecutor’s office or law enforcement.
Best Practices When Using Certificates of Disposition
Criminal defense attorneys who regularly handle immigration cases develop expertise in managing certificates of disposition appropriately. Strategies for making the most of these vital records include:
Obtain Multiple Copies
Get several original certified copies from the outset. Replacing lost records can be difficult and lead to delays.
Double Check Accuracy
Review all information thoroughly and follow up with the clerk’s office immediately if any errors are found. Incorrect details on an immigration form can also have consequences.
Keep Originals Safe
Store the original certificates securely to prevent damage or loss. Only submit photocopies with immigration applications, keeping originals on hand for future needs.
Be Proactive
Don’t wait until an immigration application to get certificates of disposition. Request them as soon as the criminal case concludes in case records are purged or lost over time.
Follow Up Diligently
If immigration officials request additional information about a past conviction, promptly obtain updated certificates of disposition rather than relying on memory or partial records.
Conclusion
With so much on the line, non-citizen defendants rely on their criminal defense lawyer to advise them on potential immigration fallout. Savvy attorneys use every tool at their disposal – especially certificates of disposition – to craft the best outcome possible and effectively represent their client’s interests.Handling the immigration aspects of a criminal case takes experience and technical know-how. But the effort pays off. Thanks to the skilled work of dedicated criminal and immigration lawyers, non-citizens can move past youthful mistakes or minor brushes with the law to become valued members of American communities.<hr>
https://www.immigrationhelp.org/learning-center/certified-disposition
https://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/certified-court-disposition-for-immigration-988989.html
https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/how-to-obtain-court-records-and-police-reports/
https://www.justice.gov/eoir/reference-materials/ic/chapter-3/3