Will a Criminal Conviction Affect My Immigration Status? Being convicted of a crime as a non-citizen can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of immigration benefits, deportation, or being placed into removal proceedings. In addition, you may become ineligible for permanent residency or citizenship, face jail time, or be fined. However, the impact on your immigration status depends largely on the type of crime committed. Types of Crimes That Impact Immigration Status There are specific crimes that may affect your immigration status. These include "crimes of moral turpitude" and "aggravated felonies." Generally, U.S. immigration law imposes harsher penalties on non-citizens convicted of aggravated felonies or controlled substance offenses compared to those convicted of other crimes.
The term "crime of moral turpitude" is not clearly defined under the law. Nevertheless, immigration officials and judges rely on case law to classify certain crimes as involving moral turpitude. Essentially, these crimes involve intent to cause harm or commit fraud, and they are considered shocking to public morality.
Some common examples of crimes that fall under moral turpitude include:
Conspiring to commit a crime or acting as an accessory in certain cases can also qualify as moral turpitude. What Are Aggravated Felonies Under Immigration Law? U.S. immigration law also categorizes certain offenses as aggravated felonies, which often result in severe consequences. These crimes, even if classified as misdemeanors under state law, can lead to deportation and permanent bars from re-entry into the U.S.
Examples of aggravated felonies include:
Non-citizens convicted of these crimes typically face automatic deportation with limited options for relief. Who Determines Whether a Crime Is One of Moral Turpitude? Immigration officials and judges are responsible for determining whether a crime qualifies as one of moral turpitude. They assess the circumstances of the case, the intent involved, and the wording of the penal code or statute in question. Case law also provides important guidance in these determinations. Defending Your Immigration Status After a Conviction It is possible to defend your immigration status even after a criminal conviction. One approach is to argue that the crime does not qualify as a crime of moral turpitude or an aggravated felony. This defense often hinges on the specific language of the statute under which you were charged.
Working with an experienced immigration attorney can improve your chances of successfully defending against deportation. Your attorney will analyze the legal language in your case and help build a solid defense. Can You Apply for a Green Card After a Conviction? Even after a conviction, you may still be able to apply for or renew a green card. In some cases, non-citizens can qualify for a 212(h) waiver, which allows them to apply for a green card despite having committed a crime of moral turpitude.
To qualify for a 212(h) waiver, you must meet the following conditions:
If you meet these criteria, you may still pursue permanent residency. Consequences of a Criminal Conviction on Immigration Status Criminal convictions can have lasting effects on your immigration status, including deportation. Deportation may separate you from your family and your life in the U.S. Certain convictions also make you ineligible for immigration benefits such as asylum, temporary protected status (TPS), or visa extensions. Why Hiring an Immigration Attorney is Crucial Defending your immigration status after a criminal conviction is complex, but an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process. They will review the details of your case, explain your options, and create strategies to avoid deportation or other severe consequences. If you're facing deportation due to a criminal conviction, it is crucial to seek legal assistance immediately. Immigration laws are complicated, but with professional help, you can work toward the best possible outcome. Contact Us for Legal Help Concerned about how a criminal conviction might affect your immigration status? Call our office at (310) 943-1171 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation with our immigration attorney. We will help you explore your options and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
The Ongoing Wildfire Crisis in San Bernardino County The ongoing wildfire crisis in San Bernardino County continues to devastate homes due to the intensity of the brush fire across the Cajon Pass. This destructive blaze has consumed over 30,000 acres, forcing more than 80,000 residents to evacuate. At Kaass Law, our experienced attorneys support and assist homeowners in navigating their fire insurance claims effectively.
Homeowners in California, particularly in high-risk areas like San Bernardino County, must understand their rights and options regarding insurance coverage for fire damages. If the Cajon Pass fire has affected you, you may qualify for compensation through your homeowner's insurance policy. Coverage might include damages caused by the fire and the impact of smoke, soot, and ash, which can pose long-term health risks if left unaddressed.
Residents in fire-prone areas must maintain sufficient insurance coverage for wildfires. Reviewing your policy regularly ensures that it stays up-to-date and adequate to protect against potential fire-related damages and health risks from pollutants.
California VC 23222(b) driving in possession of marijuana only pertains to marijuana that is not in a concentrated form, such as, hash; nor does it pertain to large amounts of marijuana.
Unlike, California Health and Safety Code 11359 Possession of Marijuana for Sale, which pertains to being caught with a large amount of marijuana in your vehicle. California Vehicle Code 23222(b) punishes those who are found guilty of driving with up to 1 ounce of marijuana in their cars.
Did you know you can become a permanent United States resident by investing money into a US business?
If you are interested in becoming a US permanent resident via EB-5, below are a few things you should now about EB-5 investment program:
The immigrant investor must invest or be actively in the process of investing $1.000.000.
The qualifying amount of investment is $500.000 for targeted employment areas which are rural areas and areas with high unemployment rate. A mere intent to invest or prospective investment arrangements without present commitment will not suffice.
The investment must take the form of contribution of capital that has been placed at risk for the purpose of generating income.
The USCIS rules define capital to include cash, cash equivalents, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, and indebtedness secured by assets owned by the investor. The required investment cannot be made in the form of a loan to the company. The foreign investor also has to show that the invested capital was obtained through lawful means.
A left turn collision is when a vehicle turning left at an intersection is involved in a collision with another vehicle on the opposite side of the road that is going straight through the intersection.
Under the reasonable person standard, the driver turning left is usually at fault for the accident. This is because a vehicle turning left turning must wait until it is safe to turn.
However, the driver going straight through the intersection may be partially at fault if s/he was speeding or ran a red light. This may also reduce recovery, but not completely. Usually, speeding makes it difficult for the ‘left turning’ driver to judge when it is safe to turn. More commonly, when the light turns red, most drivers will assume it is safe to proceed in making a left turn. This is not the case if a driver runs a red light. However, many times even in these instances, the driver determined “mostly at fault”, is usually the driver turning left.
Under the reasonable person standard, a driver that rear-ended another will almost always be found at fault. One of the main factors insurance adjusters consider during rear end collisions is vehicles must maintain a safe distance behind the cars in front of them at all times. However, if you were breaking and one or more of your brake or tail light bulbs were out or broken, fault can be split between drivers. For instance an adjuster may find the drivers partially at fault or 50/50. If an driver can prove that due to the broken tail light, the driver did not have enough time to respond or had a difficult time stopping. In this situation the amount of money you can recover will be reduced, however, you will probably still be able to get something.
Business insurance is a agreement between an insurance company and a business and/or business owner.
In the event of a covered loss, a business and or business owner files a claim with their insurance company for any damages, financial losses, and other losses the business has sustained. Depending on your insurance policy limits your business may recover all losses. Thus, your business will only obtain the applicable amount of compensation for the loss(es).
However, many times, adjusters may give business owners the round around and offer to pay a compensation amount below actual damages sustained. For example, say your business property damage has policy limits of $50,000.00, but your business actually incurred $100,000.00 in damages, you may be out of luck.
When a loss occurs, the business will usually file a claim with their insurance company and an adjuster will open up a claim. Let's assume for example, that a faulty pipe burst causing water damage and destroys a portion of your business’ premises, your insurance company will repay you for the damages incurred as well as aiding in the restoration process.
Can you sue the government or city if you were involved in an auto-bus accident? Can a passenger on the bus that sustained injuries and damages sue the bus driver?
Depending on a number of factors, you may be able to file a law suit against the responsible entity. However, if you were involved in an accident involving a public transportation vehicle, such as the Los Angeles Metro or Los Angeles Fire Department, it is vital that you contact a personal injury attorney that specializes in government tort claims because due to special laws that apply to government bodies and employees. If you were involved in an accident with a public transportation vehicle, call KAASS LAW for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer specializing in government torts. Below are a few steps you take if you were the other car(s) that was/were involved in the accident.
If you have passengers make sure you check to see if anyone needs immediate medical attention.If anyone is injured it’s imperative that you wait for emergency personal to tend to injured passengers.
If you are an officer, president, or owner of California corporations and have been served with legal papers for a lawsuit or pending legal proceedings, it is crucial to hire a business lawyer to represent you in court. This is not just a recommendation—it’s the law. According to Paradise v. Nowlin (1948) 86 C.A.2d 897 and Code of Civil Procedure § 116.540(b), California law prohibits anyone other than a licensed California attorney from representing a corporation or LLC in court proceedings, except in small claims cases.
California law treats corporations as separate legal entities from their owners, officers, and directors. This means that even if you are the CEO of a corporation, you cannot represent the corporation in court unless you are a licensed attorney in California. Courts recognize corporations as distinct "persons" under the law and require them to have representation by a licensed professional. Attempting to represent your corporation without an attorney risks case dismissal or sanctions.
On August 27, 2015 KAASS LAW filed docket number D.C. No. 2:12-cv-08356-RGK-JC with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and challenged the district court's decision in granting Wells Fargo's motion for sanctions under 28 U.S.C. 1927.
This issue was raised for the first time in history on appeal by KAASS LAW. On appeal KAASS LAW made two principal arguments, however before hearing the second argument, the panel held that § 1927 does not permit the imposition of sanctions against a law firm. The 9th Circuit Court reversed and vacated the district court's order, holding that § 1927 does not permit sanctions against a law firm. Thus, the panel reversed the district court’s decision in granting Well Fargo’s motion for sanctions against KAASS LAW pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1927, and vacated the order imposing sanctions on KAASS LAW.
Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys and Accident Litigation Attorneys are Prepared to Help Potential Victim's Bring Wrongful Death Lawsuits.
A wrongful death lawsuit involves the deceased's estate or family member to bring a claim against a wrongdoer for causing the death of another, either negligently or intentionally. Wrongful death lawsuits fall into two categories: intentional deaths and negligent deaths.
Common examples of wrongful death cases brought under negligence include: medical malpractice, car accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, medication errors, drowning accidents, slip and fall accidents, and defective products.
Usually, wrongful death claims are based on a theory of , victims must prove that the wrongdoer owed the deceased a, the wrong does breached that duty, causing damages as a result of the breach.
What Does Your Insurance Policy Cover? Many homeowners ask, "What does my insurance cover if there is a wildfire?" Coverage depends on your policy, but most homeowner insurance policies include:
Extreme heat or smoke can compromise your property even if there is no visible damage. A professional inspection after a wildfire is crucial. Smoke and ash can penetrate surfaces, leaving residues invisible to the naked eye but potentially harmful over time. Qualified inspectors can determine the extent of damage and recommend effective remediation techniques.
Insurance companies often send their vendors to assess fire damage, determine the cause, and decide on repairs. This inspection is critical to initiating your claim. If the inspection is inadequate or you disagree with its findings, consulting an attorney may be wise. At Kaass Law, we connect homeowners with experts who evaluate damage thoroughly, identify the true cause, and provide accurate repair estimates. This helps you recover the full compensation entitled under your policy.
Your homeowner’s policy likely includes coverage for your personal belongings. It is essential to maintain an inventory of your possessions, using photos, receipts, or videos. Keeping a record offsite or in cloud storage ensures you don't lose documentation if your home is damaged. Updating your insurance company on major purchases helps maintain an accurate reflection of the value of your belongings.
If a wildfire forces you out of your home, you might wonder, "Will my insurance cover temporary living costs?" Fortunately, most policies cover "Additional Living Expenses" (ALE). ALE coverage includes costs like rent for temporary housing, meal expenses, and storage fees while your home is under repair.
To ensure fair compensation after a wildfire, follow these steps:
At Kaass Law, we help property owners understand their insurance coverage and claim fair compensation after wildfire damage. We guide you through the process of filing and managing fire insurance claims, ensuring your rights remain protected. Contact Us Today If you need help navigating an insurance claim after the Cajon Pass fire, contact Kaass Law today. We assist residents of San Bernardino County in getting the support they need during these challenging times. Contact Information: Please call our office at (844) 522-7752 or at [email protected]. Let our experienced team help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
A Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help you with the sort of legal assistance that you require regarding drug crimes in the county. Our lawyers in Glendale, Los Angeles, CA are here to help understand your legal rights. Please call our office at (310) 943-1171 or contact us via email at [email protected]
The qualifying investment must be in a new commercial enterprise.
An enterprise established after November 29, 1990 is considered a new enterprise even if the investor did not participate in its establishment. When a person makes investment in a business established on or before November 29, 1990 the investment will qualify for E-B5 purposes if the investor establishes one of the following: (1) the investment will result in a substantial change in the business; or (2) the business will be restructured or reorganized.
The investor must be engaged in the management of the company where he invests.
This can be done either through managerial control or through policy formulation. This requirement can be satisfied by becoming a corporate officer or being a member of the board of directors. Maintaining a purely passive role towards the investment cannot satisfy the requirement of USCIS rules.
The enterprise must benefit the US economy by creating full-time jobs for at least 10 qualifying employees.
There is an exception to this rule for troubled businesses where the investment does not have to create 10 new jobs but the investor has to show that the number of existing employees is or will be maintained at no less than the pre-investment level for at least two years.
There is an annual limit of 10000 E-B5 visas per year. Until now the annual E-B5 cap has never been reached.
The investor is initially granted conditional residence for two years.
Prior to the expiration of two years the investor must file a petition requesting removal of the conditional basis of the residence. The investor must show that he still meets the conditions for participation in the program.
Do you need help deciding on what steps to take next? A Glendale immigration lawyer at KAASS LAW can help you out with any sort of legal assistance you require.
Insurance companies will often classify a rear-end collision as a low impact accident and will attempt to argue that the due to the impact bodily injury damages are minimal, thus offering low ball offers, even if medical reports prove otherwise. However, a typically injury one may sustain from a rear-end collision is whiplash or an neck injury, which may sometimes cause serious soft tissue damage. Some soft tissue damage includes, muscle tissue, ligaments and tendons. These types of damages frequently results in pain, swelling, tightness, bruising, or inflammation. However, these injuries are not always immediately apparent. Thus, injured parties may be offered a low settlement amount. Don't be that guy. Contact our office and receive free no obligation consultation with our Glendale personal injury attorneys specializing in auto accidents.
Address: 701 North Brand Blvd. Suite 100 Glendale, CA 91203 Phone: (310) 943-1171 Email: [email protected]
It’s important to remember, however, your insurance policy may only cover the type of coverage included in your insurance policy. If your business has inured loss or damages and you are unsure if you have coverage, call our office and schedule a consultation with one of our business insurance attorneys.
Business insurance includes a broad range of policy options designed to protect a business from financial loss. Each commercial operation faces unique risks, requiring the tailoring of a commercial insurance policy to fit the business. Many factors, from the size of your company, to the number of workers you employ, the materials they handle and whether you have business vehicles, will determine the specific coverage you need to mitigate risk and protect your company’s financials. A business lawyer at KAASS LAW can provide you with the specific legal assistance that you may need.
Business insurance includes a comprehensive range of policy options intended to defend and protect a business from various financial and property damage losses. In order to alleviate risks and safeguard your businesses livelihood it is vital to weigh out the types of coverage and policy limits your business needs.
Business operations vary, and each one faces its own unique set of risks. Therefore, you must specifically tailor commercial insurance policies to your business operations.
Business insurance policy may include coverage such as, general liability insurance, which covers injuries sustained by third parties for reasons such as, negligent maintenance, slip and fall accidents, various premises liability accidents, and other personal injury claims. For instance if a patron or consumer was injured due to liquid substance, a claim with you may file a claim with your general liability insurance.
Property insurance coverage protects your business’ property in the event your business sustained loss and damages arising out of water damage, fire, flood, storms, faulty pipes that caused a burst, or vandalism due to a break-in.
Loss of income coverage protects your business and business owners in the event that your business was non-cooperation during times of cleanup & restoration. For instance, your business sustained water damage due to a faulty pipe that burst and you were unable to operate while damages were being repaired. Loss of income may be able to cover the losses you incurred during the clean up and restoration costs.
Business lawyers at KAASS LAW can provide you with any sort of legal assistance required with insurance companies.
Depending on the severity of the accident it is important to try to not move anyone because this might aggravate their injuries
If there is significant property damage, physical injury, or death call the police.
If injuries are reported tell the office to write a police report and get the responding officer's name, badge number, and what bureau the officer is employed with.
Like most car accident cases parties will have to prove who the at-fault driver was. Public transportation companies are subjected to “common carrier” law in some states.
“Common carrier” law refers to the higher or highest degree of care that public transportation companies have to provide for their customers. Trolleys, trains, buses, taxis, and even limousines are subject to the “common carrier” law meaning they have a higher duty to act reasonably. Further, if the public transportation driver was found at fault there are special laws and rules that apply to government entities. If the driver/employee of public transportation is found negligence, you can file a claim or sue the city, county or state responsible for overseeing public transportation activities under Government Tort laws.
For instance, the if the accident involved the Los Angeles Metro the responding entity would most likely be the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Six months deadline to properly notify the proper entity overseeing that specific public transportation/bus, in writing of the precise circumstances of your accident.
You may have to file a special form provided by the responsible government agency. If you fail to file a claim with the correct entity within the 6-month statue, you may lose your chances of filing a lawsuit If you properly filed your claim and your claim was denied, it is required by law that you are put on notice of your legal rights regarding the 6-month statute of limitation to file lawsuit for personal injuries and damages sustained. If you have not heard from or unsure about the status of your claim, you may still have 2 years to file a lawsuit against the government entity.
If you are unsure if you have a claim, call KAASS LAW at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation.
Failing to hire an attorney to represent your corporation in court can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Improperly appearing in court on behalf of your corporation without legal representation can delay or dismiss your case, or result in a default judgment for the other party. A default judgment means the opposing party could win the case without the court ever hearing your defense, leaving your corporation liable for damages, penalties, or other legal consequences. In addition to court-imposed penalties, failing to secure representation can result in missed opportunities to negotiate or settle disputes out of court. Experienced business lawyers often possess the strategic insight and negotiation skills to shorten the legal process or even prevent cases from going to trial. This could save your corporation significant time, money, and reputational harm.
A qualified business attorney guides you through complex court procedures, ensures you meet all deadlines, and protects your corporation's rights. Once served with a summons and complaint, your corporation typically has 30 days to file an answer with the court. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment, leaving your corporation with no legal recourse. Moreover, business lawyers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and develop strategies tailored to your specific situation. Whether it's negotiating settlements, filing motions to dismiss, or representing your corporation in a full trial, having an experienced legal team by your side is invaluable. In many cases, having a business defense attorney involved early can lead to quicker, more favorable outcomes. Some attorneys may be able to negotiate settlements that avoid lengthy court proceedings altogether. Even if litigation is inevitable, a skilled attorney can work to expedite the process. Thus, reduce costs, and minimize the impact on your business.
One of the common concerns for corporations facing lawsuits is the cost of hiring an attorney. However, business defense doesn’t have to break the bank. Many law firms, including ours, offer various fee structures to accommodate the financial constraints of small and medium-sized businesses. These fee arrangements can include flat fees, hybrid fee agreements, traditional hourly rates, discounted fees, and capped fees. At KAASS LAW, we understand that the legal system can be both intimidating and costly. That’s why we strive to provide affordable and transparent legal services that fit your needs. Our goal is to offer high-quality legal representation while ensuring that our clients feel comfortable with the financial aspect of hiring an attorney.
Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in California. They have years of experience handling business litigation, corporate disputes, and defense cases. Whether your corporation is facing a breach of contract claim or other business-related litigation, our team is prepared to represent your corporation with professionalism and dedication. We have a deep understanding of California corporate law, and we take pride in defending businesses across various industries.
If your California corporation is facing a lawsuit, don’t wait to get legal help. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced business law attorneys today. Remember, your corporation’s legal interests matter, and with KAASS LAW, you’re in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business.
Our attorneys at KAASS LAW are authorized to practice law in California.
KAASS LAW argued the district court abused its discretion by imposing sanctions pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1927 because sanctions under that statute can only be made against an individual attorney, and not against a law firm.
KAASS LAW's second argument opposed the district court’s finding of bad faith. However, the 9th Circuit agreed with KAASS LAW’s first argument that the district court abused its discretion when it imposed sanctions against a law firm pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1927. Thus, the court did not reach the second argument.
KAASS LAW is authorized to practice law in California. The above content is intended for California residents only. This content provides only general information which may or may not reflect current legal developments. KAASS LAW expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any of the contents of this website. The above content DOES NOT create an attorney-client relationship. KAASS LAW does not represent you unless you have expressly retained KAASS LAW in person at the KAASS LAW office.
KAASS LAW helps clients in: Los Angeles, Burbank, Hollywood, Glendale, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sunland, Tujunga, Sylmar, San Bernardino, La Crescenta, La Canada, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica, Brentwood. Pacoima, Montebello, Commerce, Alhambra, Downey, Bell, Maywood, Walnut Park, Vernon, Lynwood, Echo Park, Silverlake, Mission Hills, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Encino, Canoga Park, North Hills, Porter Ranch, Chatsworth, Reseda.
Usually a representative of the deceased’s estate or next of ken can file an Wrongful Death Claim. All states, including California allow spouses to bring wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of their partner. Parents may also bring wrongful death lawsuits on behalf of their minor children.
Medical expenses that the deceased incurred, funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased person’s expected income, and loss of consortium. A loss of consortium claim is brought for the loss of intimacy between spouses. In some cases victims may win punitive damages.
Bringing a wrongful death lawsuit can be a complicated process, thus if an deceased's estate or family member is considering bringing a wrongful death lawsuit should seek the advice of a legal professional. If you are interested in bringing a wrongful death claim against a medical professional, hospital, or other wrongdoer, call our 24-hour answering line and request a free wrongful death consultation from a Los Angeles personal injury attorney.