Thanks Texas A&M School of Law Immigration Law Initiative
Immigration Intersecting with Criminal Law
Thanks for the mug Texas A&M School of Law!
I was privileged to speak today at Texas A&M School of Law regarding how criminal law intersects with immigration law. The event was well organized and the panel included two other fine lawyers. First, I must say that the moderator of the panel, Associate Dean Huyen Pham, was a delight and honor to meet. Her experience and education is astounding, and the law school is certainly well served with her serving as a faculty member and an administrator.
The students attending the event asked poignant questions and received the speakers with great hospitality. I urge anyone invited to take the opportunity to speak to Texas A&M law students. Our legal community is fortunate to have such a great resource and training ground for future lawyers.
One of the other speakers, Eric Navarrette currently of Orsinger, Nelson, Downing & Anderson, LLP, is an exceptional Board Certified family law attorney. Eric and I attended Texas Tech School of Law. I am proud to say that he is an excellent reflection of Tech Law. His presentation today was entertaining and served as a great survey of the most common immigration issues facing family law practitioners.
A new friend, the third speaker, Michael Cowels, is doing great work with the Equal Justice Center. They are fighting the good fight for immigrants that are being preyed upon by business owners. I just donated $50 to their cause, and I would urge you to do the same.
My comments regarding immigration and criminal law were brief, but the thrust of the talk was that you must take special care with non-citizen clients. For those new to the criminal defense world, you should take time to read Padilla v. Kentucky from the United State’s Supreme Court. Admissibility and deportations issues can be very complicated and very serious. Do not tread lightly in these areas.
