How to Defend Immigrants Charged with Drug Offenses, Including New Penal Code § 372.5

Crimes
Post-Conviction Relief
Prosecutors
Removal Defense
U Visa/T Visa/VAWA

Drug offenses cause the harshest, most disproportionate immigration penalties of any offense. Criminal defenders and immigration advocates need information to work aggressively to defend immigrant clients. This advisory provides strategies to avoid a drug conviction, including how and when to use Penal Code § 372.5 (2023), along with practice tips, resources, and arguments to support negotiating for an immigration neutral plea or disposition in criminal court.