I was arrested and charged with a crime. What is next?

If you are not a citizen, an arrest and/or conviction can affect your immigration status. Certain criminal convictions can directly lead to being placed in removal proceedings (also commonly referred to by their old name “deportation proceedings”). If you are not a United States Citizen and you have been charged with a crime, it is particularly important that consult with an attorney that is familiar with the criminal and immigration laws. It is important that before you plead to a criminal charge you are fully aware of the immigration consequences of the criminal conviction.