Categorical/Modified Categorical Approach for the Criminal Defense Attorney

Categorical/Modified Categorical Approach for the Criminal Defense Attorney

Friday, September 6, 2019
2:00-3:30 p.m.
Thomas and Mack Moot Court Facility

Approved 1.5 CLE credits

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Description
An overview of how criminal charges and convictions are analyzed to determine immigration consequences of criminal activity.
  
Presenters 
•    Amber Fuhriman
•    Michael Kagan
•    Marla Renteria 

Program Agenda
2:00- 2:05 pm    Introduction

2:05-3:15 pm    Program - Introduction to Categorical/Modified Categorical Approach

What it is and why it is important for criminal defense attorneys to know and understand in representing non-citizen clients.

Brief Overview of Life of the Categorical/Modified Categorical Approach
Where it originates and major cases that have shaped it into what we know
now.
•    Application to non-citizens
•    Documents that can be reviewed
•    Divisibility 
•    Inconclusive records

Steps to Analyzing Statute Using Categorical/Modified Categorical Approach
•    Elements of state statute
          Any applicable state case law that interprets elements
•    Elements of removal statute
•    Available documents
•    Divisibility analysis
•    Comparison

Brief Review of Exceptions to Application of Categorical/Modified Categorical
Approach
•    Inadmissibility based upon admissions
•    Circumstance specific - Monetary loss cases – Fraud Ag Fel
•    Circumstance specific – 30 grams or less of marijuana
•    Circumstance specific – Domestic violence relationship
•    Discretionary decisions
•    Eligibility for relief
          Particularly serious crimes
          Violent or dangerous offense
          Significant misdemeanor

How the Categorical/Modified Categorical Analysis Can Assist With Negotiations
•    Inconclusive record
•    Finding non-deportable crimes with similar punishments
•    Burglary/Conspiracy usually safe if all else fails

Brief Overview of Deportability Grounds and Things to Avoid in Negotiations
•    Sentences to avoid
•    CIMT within 5 years of admission/Multiple CIMT

3:15-3:25 pm    Questions and Answers

3:25-3:30 pm    Closing Remarks