Criminal Defense That Accounts for Your Immigration Status From Day One

When a criminal charge can end your case and your immigration status, you need a defense attorney who sees both consequences at once.

A criminal charge in Maricopa County is serious on its own. For non-citizens — including green card holders, visa holders, and DACA recipients — it can also trigger removal proceedings, loss of permanent resident status, or a permanent bar to future immigration benefits. These are not separate problems. They are two consequences of the same event, and they have to be defended together.


ATR Law Group is a Phoenix criminal defense law firm that also practices immigration law. That combination is rare, and for our clients, it matters. We evaluate the immigration impact of every criminal charge from the moment we take the case — not as an afterthought, but as part of the defense strategy itself.

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Criminal Charges That Can Cost You Your Immigration Status

Certain convictions carry mandatory immigration consequences under federal law. A DUI, a drug offense, a domestic violence charge — any of these can be classified as a deportable offense, an aggravated felony, or a crime of moral turpitude, regardless of how long you have lived in the United States.


Green card holders lose permanent resident status to criminal convictions every year. Many had no idea the charge carried that risk. At ATR, our criminal defense clients receive an immigration consequence analysis as part of their representation — before any plea is entered, before any agreement is signed.

Criminal Defense Services in Phoenix and Maricopa County

We represent clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges across Maricopa County, with a focus on outcomes that minimize both the criminal penalties and any collateral immigration impact.

01

DUI Defense

A DUI conviction can affect your driving privileges, your employment, and — for non-citizens — your immigration status. We defend DUI charges in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County, evaluating every option from case dismissal to charge reduction.

02

Drug Crimes

Drug offenses are among the most immigration-consequential charges a non-citizen can face. We defend clients against drug possession, distribution, and trafficking charges while simultaneously assessing the immigration exposure at every stage of the case.

03

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence charges carry serious criminal penalties and can qualify as deportable offenses under federal immigration law. We provide a defense that accounts for both the criminal proceedings and the immigration stakes.

04

Assault Defense

Assault and aggravated assault charges vary significantly in severity and consequence. We build individualized defenses for clients facing these charges in Maricopa County courts, with attention to how the charge classification affects both the criminal outcome and any immigration consequences.

05

Record Sealing

Arizona law provides post-conviction remedies for eligible individuals, including set aside under ARS 13-907 and record sealing under ARS 13-911. We evaluate every criminal case for these options from the start — because today's charge does not have to define tomorrow's opportunities.

What Sets ATR Apart in Maricopa County Criminal Defense

  • Cross-practice capability in criminal defense and immigration law — the immigration consequences of a criminal charge are built into the defense strategy, not discovered after the fact.
  • Representation in Maricopa County misdemeanor and felony courts, with experience across the full range of charges we handle.
  • Post-conviction relief evaluated for every eligible client — including record sealing and set aside under Arizona law.
  • Bilingual representation in English and Spanish, with WhatsApp access for ongoing communication.
  • Free consultations — you can discuss your situation before committing to anything.
  • AILA member, ABA member, Arizona State Bar member, and BBB Accredited Business.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Phoenix

  • Can a criminal charge affect my green card or immigration status?

    Yes. Many criminal convictions — including DUIs, drug offenses, and domestic violence charges — can trigger deportation proceedings, render a person inadmissible, or disqualify them from future immigration benefits under federal law. This applies to green card holders and long-term residents, not just recent arrivals. If you are not a U.S. citizen, the immigration consequences of any criminal charge must be evaluated before you accept a plea or enter any agreement.

  • What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Arizona?

    Arizona classifies criminal offenses as either misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are less severe and carry penalties including fines, probation, and jail time up to six months. Felonies are more serious and can result in state prison sentences. For immigration purposes, the distinction matters — but even some misdemeanors can qualify as deportable offenses depending on the charge and how it is classified under federal immigration law.

  • How do I find a good criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix?

    Look for an attorney licensed with the Arizona State Bar who has experience in Maricopa County courts and handles the specific type of charge you are facing. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is essential to work with a firm that understands how criminal charges interact with immigration law — not all criminal defense attorneys evaluate that exposure. ATR Law Group handles both practice areas and offers a free consultation so you can assess fit before making any decisions.


  • Does ATR Law Group offer a free consultation for criminal defense cases?

    Yes. We offer free consultations for criminal defense matters. You can reach us by phone at (602) 702-0981, through our contact form, or via WhatsApp. We communicate in both English and Spanish.

  • Can my criminal record be sealed in Arizona?

    Arizona provides two primary post-conviction remedies: set aside under ARS 13-907 and record sealing under ARS 13-911. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the sentence imposed, and the time elapsed since completion of the sentence. We evaluate every criminal case for these options from the beginning — because the long-term impact of a conviction on employment, housing, and immigration status is part of what we are defending against.

  • What does a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix cost?

    Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, the charge classification, and the court involved. ATR Law Group offers a free initial consultation so you can understand your situation and discuss representation before any financial commitment is required. We are transparent about fees from the start.

One Charge. Two Sets of Consequences. One Firm That Handles Both.

For non-citizens in Phoenix, a criminal charge is never just a criminal matter. ATR Law Group defends your case in Maricopa County courts while keeping your immigration status in view at every decision point. That is what comprehensive criminal defense looks like for our clients.