At the Law Office of Eric B. Morrell, we regularly handle cases where criminal charges intersect immigration law. In these complex and high-stakes situations, it is crucial to have a lawyer who is not only well-versed in criminal defense but also highly knowledgeable about the potential immigration consequences that can arise from a charge or conviction. If you are a non-citizen living in New Jersey facing criminal charges, it is essential to take immediate and strategic action to protect both your legal rights and your immigration status. A criminal conviction can have serious, sometimes irreversible consequences on your ability to remain in the United States, apply for citizenship or reunite with family members. Depending on the nature of the offense, you may face jail time, deportation, loss of green card or disqualification from naturalization or visa renewals. Facing criminal charges as a non-citizen carries significant risks with the most serious being the possibility of deportation and jail time. U.S. immigration law mandates that certain criminal offenses can make an individual subject to removal from the country, regardless of how long they have lived here. Offense that may lead to deportation include aggravated felonies such as murder, rape, drug trafficking and weapons violations. A conviction for any of these crimes can result in mandatory deportation. Additionally, crimes involving moral turpitude such as fraud, theft, assaults, drug-related offenses and domestic violence can also expose non-citizens to removal proceedings. Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are not immune from the consequences of a criminal conviction. While they are typically permitted to remain in the U.S. as long as they comply with the law, a criminal conviction can jeopardize their status. For example, convictions for aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude or certain drug-related offenses may lead to the loss of permanent resident status, restrictions on naturalization and deportation hearings. A serious conviction such as one involving domestic violence or theft can disqualify an individual from applying for U.S. citizenship and may even result in the denial of a naturalization application. In such cases, a green card holder may be subject to deportation proceedings even if they have lived in the U.S. for many years. If you are in the U.S. on a temporary visa, such as a student visa (F-1), work visa (H-1B) or tourist visa (B-2), a criminal conviction could result in serious consequences for your status. A conviction for an aggravated felony or crime of moral turpitude can lead to the cancellation of your visa and removal from the U.S. Likewise, for those seeking to extend or adjust their status may face similar risks. Any criminal conviction for such offenses can lead to removal proceedings and endanger their ability to remain in the country. With significant changes expected under the new administration, it is likely that efforts to deport non-citizens with criminal histories will intensify in the coming year. The consequences of committing a crime as a non-citizen in New Jersey can be severe and far-reaching. You must seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the intersection of criminal and immigration law. At the Law Office of Eric B. Morrell, we will assess the specific charges against you, identify potential defenses and work diligently to minimize any impact on your immigration status. It is critical to fully understand the potential immigration consequences before pleading guilty or accepting a plea agreement. Our law office works closely with immigration consultants to ensure accurate assessment of these consequences. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes to preserve your immigration status. Additionally, we have a bilingual paralegal (Spanish-speaking) available to assist and provide support. We are dedicated to offering the highest level of legal representation and guidance to safeguard your future in New Jersey. If you or someone you know is a non-citizen facing criminal charges, please contact our offices. EBM Law’s Commitment The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell , located at 142 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ 08901, is committed to helping our clients fight for the appropriate assessment. Eric B. Morrell has 25 years of experience in defending clients with criminal charges. Some charges that he routinely deals with are: Criminal Defense DUI/DWI Guns & Weapons Crimes Pre-Trial Detention Hearings Expungements for Prior Convictions

Title IX Made Clear : EBM Law Knows your Rights and is Familiar with all Protocols Have you ever been notified or involved in a formal Title IX complaint? Without prior knowledge of the Title IX Formal Complaint process, you may not adhere to the adequate procedural measures, leading to unfavorable outcomes or compliance penalties. As of August 14, 2020, federal regulations have requirements that institutions must follow when addressing Title IX matters. Proper adherence to these guidelines promises fairness, transparency, and impartiality throughout the formal process. Notice of Allegations One of the first steps in the Title IX Formal Complaint process is the issuance of a Notice of Allegations to both the Complainant and Respondent. This document is crucial for subsequent proceedings and ensuring that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities. The Notice of Allegations must include: The right to a self appointed advisor: Both parties have the right to an advisor of their choice who will be present throughout the investigation and any subsequent hearings. Parties are also allowed to be accompanied by a “Support Partner”, different from an advisor. An example would be a family member. Access to evidence: Both parties must be informed of their right to review all evidence gathered during the investigation, promising transparency. False evidence: A clear statement against knowingly submitting false information or evidence is required. This notice must be provided early enough to give both parties at least 10 days time to prepare for interviews and hearings. If new allegations arise during the process, an updated notice must be sent to both parties without delay. Our offices understand that allegations in a Title IX formal complaint related to conduct that has occurred outside of the education program or activity must be dismissed. Confidentiality Confidentiality is critical for upholding the integrity of the Title IX process. The institution must withhold private information related to the Complainant, Respondent, and if needed, witnesses. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows for the disclosure of information under specific circumstances. Institutions must make both inculpatory (indicating responsibility) and exculpatory (indicating non-responsibility) evidence available to both parties. Both sides must be given at least 10 days to review this evidence, which is required to be accessible during hearings and proceedings. Serving Impartially Investigators must approach all cases without bias, promising a fair analysis of relevant evidence.Measures to adhere to impartiality include: Providing thorough training for all interviewers involved in Title IX cases. Maintaining an appropriate line of communication between the Complainant, Respondent, and their advisors. Avoiding conflicts of interest to protect the formal process. Relevant Evidence and Interviews The Title IX investigation focuses on gathering and analyzing evidence relevant to the allegations. Evidence, such as a complainant’s prior sexual history, is excluded unless it proves another individual is responsible for the alleged conduct.. The interview process plays a critical role in gathering evidence. All interviewees must be selected based on their ability to provide relevant information. Interviews are conducted by trained individuals, and clear rules are established to maintain order. Investigators are responsible for evaluating the credibility of all parties and witnesses without bias. Documentation and Retention Thorough documentation is essential for maintaining consistency and transparency. Institutions are required to: Retain all investigative records, including transcripts, recorded interviews, and audio files, for at least seven years. Ensure that documentation aligns with legal requirements and the institute's policies. Title IX coordinators and legal counsel verify the accuracy of the records. Informal Resolution In certain cases, institutions may offer an informal resolution process. Key features of informal resolution: Both parties must provide written consent to participate. A trained mediator facilitates discussions to reach a resolution. Informal resolution is not permitted in cases involving employee-student conduct. A Formal Complaint must be filed before an Informal Resolution can be offered to the respondent/student. Hearings Hearings are a critical component of the Formal Title IX process. During these in-person proceedings: Cross-examinations are conducted by the advisors of each party. Our offices are aware that If either involved party refuses to submit to a cross-examination, no portion of their statements can be considered by the adjudicator. Hearing officers determine the relevance of questions and evidence. The institution must record the hearing for future reference. Final Decision and Appeal Following the investigation and hearing, the institution issues a written determination that includes: Findings of fact and determinations of responsibility. A rationale for the decision. Information on the right to appeal. Institutions can use one of two standards of evidence: preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) or clear and convincing evidence (highly probable). If either the complainant or defendant is dissatisfied with the final outcome, they have the right to appeal on the grounds of unsupported conclusions, procedural errors and new evidence. Appeals must be submitted within the specified timeframe of 10 days. Here at the Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell we acknowledge the difficulty navigating Title IX proceedings and maintaining our clients right to privacy. Our offices are highly experienced in managing Title IX matters, staying within FERPA guidelines and satisfying Title IX procedural requirements. Eric B. Morrell dedicates his time to protecting the rights of our clients while reviewing and explaining what they should be aware of in their discovery. With superior preparation our offices commit to helping our clients receive a positive and just outcome. If you have any concerns or need assistance regarding a Title IX matter, please contact our offices to protect your rights. EBM Law’s Commitment The Law Offices of Eric B. Morrell , located at 142 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ 08901, is committed to helping our clients fight for the appropriate assessment. Eric B. Morrell has 25 years of experience in defending clients with criminal charges. Some charges that he routinely deals with are: Criminal Defense DUI/DWI Guns & Weapons Crimes Pre-Trial Detention Hearings Expungements for Prior Convictions