Post-Conviction Relief

For many immigrants, a criminal conviction – no matter how old or minor – can have devastating consequences on their immigration status. It can lead to deportation, denial of residency or citizenship, or the loss of lawful permanent resident status. At Olmos & Reynolds Law Group, LLP, we provide experienced and compassionate representation for individuals seeking post-conviction relief in Los Angeles.

Our goal is to help clients correct or vacate past criminal convictions that threaten their immigration future. With over twenty years of combined experience in both immigration and criminal-related matters, our attorneys understand the powerful connection between the criminal and immigration systems. We work closely with clients and criminal defense counsel to identify, pursue, and achieve post-conviction remedies that protect your right to remain in the United States.

What Is Post-Conviction Relief?

Post-conviction relief refers to the legal process of challenging a criminal conviction after the case has already been decided. For immigrants, this process can be essential. Certain criminal offenses – such as controlled substance violations, crimes involving moral turpitude, or aggravated felonies – can lead to removal (deportation) or bar eligibility for green cards, waivers, and citizenship.

Through post-conviction relief, it may be possible to:

• Vacate a guilty plea or conviction

• Reduce or modify a criminal sentence

• Withdraw a plea due to ineffective legal counsel

• Correct errors or constitutional violations in the original case

• Obtain relief that eliminates or mitigates immigration consequences

At Olmos & Reynolds Law Group, we review your criminal history, evaluate the immigration impact, and coordinate with criminal defense experts to pursue the most effective strategy for your situation.

Why Post-Conviction Relief Matters for Immigrants

Even a single criminal conviction can have lifelong immigration consequences. Many immigrants are unaware that accepting a plea deal, admitting guilt, or paying a fine can later trigger deportation or inadmissibility. In other cases, non-citizens were not properly informed by their criminal defense attorney of the immigration risks associated with a plea.

Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent (Padilla v. Kentucky), defense attorneys are required to inform non-citizen clients of potential immigration consequences before advising them to plead guilty. When that doesn’t happen, post-conviction relief may be available to vacate the plea or conviction.

Our firm has extensive experience helping clients in these exact circumstances. If you are facing removal proceedings or want to pursue post-conviction relief in Los Angeles, we can evaluate your case to determine whether a prior conviction can be challenged, modified, or set aside to restore your immigration options.

Common Grounds for Post-Conviction Relief

Our attorneys help immigrants pursue a variety of legal remedies under California and federal law, including:

1. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
If your criminal defense lawyer failed to properly advise you about immigration consequences or did not provide effective representation, you may qualify for relief under Padilla v. Kentucky or California Penal Code §1473.7.

2. Failure to Advise of Immigration Consequences
California law (Penal Code §1016.5) requires courts to advise non-citizen defendants that a conviction may result in deportation or denial of naturalization. Failure to provide that warning can justify withdrawing the plea.

3. Newly Discovered Evidence or Legal Error
If new evidence arises or there was a constitutional violation in your trial or plea process, post-conviction remedies such as a writ of habeas corpus may be available.

4. Sentence Modification or Reduction
Reducing a sentence to 364 days or less can sometimes eliminate the classification of an aggravated felony under immigration law. This adjustment can mean the difference between permanent deportation and eligibility for relief.

Each case requires careful review of court records, transcripts, and prior plea agreements. Our team combines immigration insight with procedural precision to identify every possible avenue for relief.

Our Approach to Post-Conviction Relief

At Olmos & Reynolds Law Group, we take a comprehensive and strategic approach to every case. Our attorneys work directly with clients to:

1. Analyze Your Criminal Record
   We obtain certified court documents, identify all convictions and charges, and determine how they affect your current or future immigration case.

2. Evaluate Legal Options
   We assess whether your case qualifies for relief under Penal Code §1473.7, §1016.5, or other post-conviction mechanisms and develop a plan to file the appropriate motions.

3. Collaborate with Criminal Attorneys
   When necessary, we partner with criminal defense attorneys to ensure that motions are drafted effectively and presented in the right court.

4. Protect Your Immigration Future
   We represent you before immigration authorities to make sure that your post-conviction success translates into immigration benefits – whether that means reopening a deportation case, applying for a green card, or pursuing citizenship.

Our deep understanding of how criminal and immigration law intersect allows us to deliver targeted, effective solutions that many general practitioners cannot provide.

Who We Help

Our firm assists a wide range of clients seeking post-conviction relief in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, including:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) facing deportation

• DACA recipients and visa holders with criminal records

• Undocumented immigrants seeking relief from old convictions

• Individuals denied green cards, visas, or naturalization because of past offenses

• Those who pled guilty without understanding immigration consequences

If you or someone you love is struggling with the immigration effects of a criminal conviction, don’t wait to seek help. Post-conviction relief may reopen opportunities you thought were lost.

The Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Many people assume that once they’ve completed their sentence, their criminal case is over. Unfortunately, for non-citizens, immigration law treats certain convictions as permanent barriers. Even minor offenses – such as shoplifting or small-scale possession – can result in serious consequences.

Some of the most common immigration penalties include:

• Deportation or removal from the United States

• Inadmissibility, preventing re-entry or adjustment of status

• Denial of naturalization or citizenship applications

• Loss of DACA, TPS, or other immigration protections

Through post-conviction relief, we aim to eliminate or minimize these consequences and restore your ability to pursue lawful status.

Why Choose Olmos & Reynolds Law Group

When your future in the U.S. is at stake, you need attorneys who understand both immigration law and the intricacies of criminal procedure. Our firm offers:

• Over two decades of experience in immigration law

• Proven success securing post-conviction relief for immigrants across Los Angeles County

• Personalized strategies tailored to each client’s history and goals

• Compassionate advocacy from start to finish

We recognize that many of our clients have worked hard to build lives, families, and careers in the United States. Our mission is to protect those dreams by pursuing every possible legal remedy available.

Take Control of Your Future

If a past criminal conviction is standing in the way of your immigration goals, it’s not too late to take action. The attorneys at Olmos & Reynolds Law Group, LLP are ready to help you explore your options for post-conviction relief in Los Angeles.

We’ll review your case, explain your legal rights, and develop a plan to clear your record or reduce the immigration impact of your conviction. With experienced guidance and a proven track record, our firm stands ready to help you rebuild your path toward lawful status and peace of mind.

Contact Olmos & Reynolds Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin the process of reclaiming your future through effective post-conviction relief.

Olmos & Reynolds Law Group, LLP is a respected Los Angeles immigration law firm known for delivering practical results and compassionate advocacy. With more than twenty years of combined experience, our attorneys represent clients in all areas of immigration law, including family-based petitions, employment visas, citizenship, waivers, deportation defense, and post-conviction relief.

When you need trusted and effective post-conviction relief in Los Angeles, turn to the team that understands both your past and your future – Olmos & Reynolds Law Group, LLP, the Los Angeles immigration lawyers you can depend on.