Will a DUI Impact My Citizenship Status?

As part of the process to become a citizen of the United States, your moral character will be assessed. Conviction of certain crimes will result in the government automatically defining your character as bad. If an offense is on this list, it can be used as evidence of your poor moral character no matter how long ago it occurred. Generally speaking, a DUI conviction is not enough to indicate that you have bad moral character. If you’re asking yourself “will a DUI impact my citizenship status,” you will need the skilled analysis of a Michigan criminal defense attorney.

If you’re worried about your citizenship being influenced by a conviction in Detroit, contact a DUI lawyer from Drias Law Group today. We have experience handling DUI cases in Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, Southfield, and more. There are numerous reasons you may face charges for driving while intoxicated. Attorney Martin Drias has the expertise it takes to put together an effective DUI defense. To schedule a free and confidential consultation of your case, contact us today at (313) 944-0236 .

The Statutes of Your State Govern How DUIs Affect Citizenship

Every state has their own DUI laws. The way legislation is written determines how a DUI conviction will factor into your citizenship. A DUI can affect your citizenship if a state’s DUI statutes contain a reference to your intent. For example, if the law contains the words “knowingly,” “willfully,” or “recklessly,” a conviction may have negative consequences related to your citizenship.

Michigan’s drunk driving laws do not contain any explicit language detailing mental state while driving. It does, however, forbid knowingly allowing someone else to operate your vehicle while intoxicated. Thus, if your DUI conviction is related to letting someone else drive your car, it may affect your citizenship. No two cases are alike. Talking to a legal professional is the only way to know the answer to the question “will a DUI impact my citizenship status?”

Your DUI May Impact Your Citizenship If It’s Not Your First Conviction

There are ways that a DUI conviction could reflect poor character. If you’re caught driving while intoxicated with a suspended license, it can be considered a lack of regard for the law. You could face a similar outcome if a DUI conviction violates your parole, or any other legal restrictions. You’re expected to know the terms of your sentence. It could be considered a reflection of bad character to violate those terms by driving under the influence of alcohol.

DUI Convictions Pose Several Threats to Your Citizenship

In 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that DUIs are typically not considered violent crimes. Therefore, you shouldn’t be found been convicted of driving while intoxicated in the past. This doesn’t mean that a DUI cannot keep you from becoming a citizen. For example, you cannot be on probation when you undergo your citizenship interview. If your DUI results in probation, this will drastically affect your citizenship process. Furthermore, a DUI conviction can make it difficult to remain in the United States. If you are living in the country unlawfully, pleading guilty to driving while intoxicated can cause you to be removable.

Worried About Your Citizenship After a DUI? Talk to a Lawyer About Today

Before pleading guilty to drunk driving, reach out to Drias Law Group to speak with a Michigan DUI attorney today. You need to understand all the implications a drunk driving charge will have on your future. If you’re asking yourself, “will a DUI impact my citizenship status,” Attorney Martin Drias will walk you through the specific details of your case to determine if, and possibly how, a DUI conviction will affect your citizenship. We have experience handling DUI cases in Detroit, Flint, Port Huron, Southfield, and more. Schedule your free consultation online, or by calling (313) 944-0236 today.