(Words are indicated in form with an * the first time the word appears)
Appeal: Taking your case from the trial court to an appellate court to try to get a conviction overturned because of a mistake
Arrest: Being placed in custody or in jail by the police
Cancellation of Removal: An immigration court order preventing removal, even if the immigrant is removable
Client: The person who is facing an immigration problem because of a criminal case who is seeking our help
Charge: An accusation that you committed a crime in violation of a specific criminal law defining a criminal offense
Conviction: A verdict or finding that you are guilty of a certain crime
Immigration Status: The legal basis on which you are present in the United States
Legal Permanent Resident or LPR: A person who has received a green card or “mica” from the Immigration and Naturalization Service granting official permission to live legally in the U.S. on a permanent basis
Naturalized: Granted U.S. citizenship after applying for it, passing screening, interviews, and being sworn in as a citizen
Offense: A crime defined by a particular criminal law or statute
Plea: An official statement in court by a criminal defendant that he or she is guilty of crime, or chooses not to contest the crime
Sentence: The punishment given to a person found guilty of a crime by the court
Statute: The state law that defines the crime committed and the punishment
Suspension of Deportation: An immigrant court order avoiding deportation
Trial: A court hearing before a judge or jury to decide the guilt or innocence of a person charged with committing a criminal offense, at which witnesses normally testify about what has happened
Undocumented: A person present in the U.S. without any permission or documents from the government
U.S. Citizen: A person who was born in the U.S., or whose parents are U.S. Citizens, or who was granted U.S. citizenship by naturalization
Visa: Official statement of the U.S. government granting a person permission to enter and be present in the U.S.
Waiver of Deportation (212 (c) Relief): An immigration court order preventing deportation under former law even if the immigrant is deportable.