The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal appeals circuit that includes Maryland, has ruled that theft convictions are not crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT). The ruling can be found here. Without getting into the immigration consequences of an (CIMT), this could have significant positive consequences for many cases. When our firm consults on immigration consequences we often have to determine if the crime qualifies as a CIMT or an “aggravated felony” under the immigration code. Immigration consequences of Maryland convictions are substantial and very hard to reverse if there is an error in evaluation.
Mirriam Seddiq, founder of the Seddiq Law Firm, consults with criminal defense attorneys as to the best strategy for criminal plea agreements for the purpose of limiting immigration consequences. She has testified as an expert on immigration consequences in court. She also represent many client who specifically hire her Mirriam as criminal defense counsel so that they can also have someone with a strong immigration background. Advising on criminal defense and immigration at the same time requires a tremendous amount of knowledge in both fields.