Immigration Defense for Criminal Issues

Hector Gonzalez III is your local attorney in San Antonio, TX that will fight hard to make sure justice prevails. With his team of attorneys, they have tackled several cases where people were wrongly accused and got justice.

Criminal Charges Have Immigration Consequences

For non-citizens – even green card holders – criminal charges don’t just threaten your record or your freedom. They can trigger deportation, denial of citizenship, visa ineligibility, or ICE detention.

Our team focuses on immigration cases connected to criminal issues. We understand how the two areas overlap – and we fight to protect both your rights and your ability to remain in the U.S.

Our Immigration Practice Areas Related to Criminal Issues

Deportation / Removal Defense

Certain convictions can place non-citizens in removal proceedings.
Even “minor” crimes like shoplifting, simple possession, or DUIs can trigger deportation.
We Build aggressive defenses in immigration court to fight removal

Controlled Substance Offenses

Even small drug charges – like marijuana possession – can mean inadmissibility or deportastion.
We advise clients on safer please options and explore waiver eligibility

Deportation & Bond Hearings

Deportation & Bond Hearings

ICE can detain immigrants arrested for certain crimes.
We request bond hearings to help secure your release while your case is pending.
Early action can make the difference between going home and remaining in custody.

Important Note:

At this time, bond is being denied in most cases. Only individuals who qualify may be considered. To qualify, a person generally must:

Have lived in the U.S. for more than 10 years without any encounters with CBP or DHS.
Demonstrate good moral character.
Show extreme hardship to an immediate family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Each case is evaluated individually, and meeting these requirements does not guarantee bond.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI)

A single DUI may affect discreationary immgration decisions.
Multiple DUIs, or those involving drugs, injury, or accidents, are far more serious.
We defend clients against both the criminal and immigration fallout

Post-Conviction Relief (PCR)

Old convictions don’t have to ruin your immigration future.
We work with criminal defense attorneys to vacate, reduce, or modify convictions that cause immigration problems.
PCR can save someone from deportation or open the door to a green card.

Inadmissibility & Deportation Waivers

Criminal records may require waivers like I-601, I-601A, or 212(h) to get a visa or green card.
We prepare strong waiver application that highlight rehabilitation, family ties, and hardship

Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs)

Offenses like theft, fraud, assault, and domestic violence are often classified as CIMTs.
CIMTs can block green card approval, trigger removal, and harm naturalization chances.
We fight to minimize or eliminate these consequences.

Citizenship & Naturalization Denials

USCIS reviews your record for “good moral character.”
DUIs, domestic violence, theft or repeated arrests can lead to denial.
We help you challenge denials or delay applications strategically until risks are lower

Visa & Green Card Ineligibility Due to Crimes

Crimes can bar someone from getting non-immigration visas, adjustment of status, or consular approval
We assess your risks upfront and pursue solutions that keep your options open

Why Client Chooses Us

01

Focused on Immigration + Criminal Issues

We know how one impacts the other.

02

Strategic Defense

We protect your immigration status while navigating criminal risks.

03

Experience in Waivers and Relief

From PCR motions to hardship waivers, we pursue every available remedy.

04

Client-Centered Approach

Transparent, compassionate guidance every step of the way.

Take Action Now

Do not plead guilty or accept a deal without legal advice.

What seems minor in criminal court can destroy your immigration future.

Get legal help today to protect your rights, your family, and your ability to stay in the U.S.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

Call Us for a Confidential Consultation

We review your case and immigration status.

Get a Strategic Case Plan

We coordinate criminal defense and immigration protection.

Fight for Your Future

We defend you in court and pursue waivers or relief.

Stay in the U.S. With Your Family

Our goal is always to protect your right to remain here.

FAQ Section

Q: If I plead guilty, is my immigration status safe?

A: Not always. Many guilty pleas are still considered convictions under immigration law. Always consult an attorney first.

Q: Can one DUI really affect my green card or naturalization?

A: Yes, especially if there are multiple DUIs or aggravating factors like injury. Even a single DUI can impact USCIS decisions.

Q: What if I already have a conviction on my record?

A: Post-conviction relief may still be an option. We also explore waivers to keep you eligible for immigration benefits.

The Law Office of Hector Gonzalez III

The firm’s founding attorney, Hector Gonzalez III, worked his way through college and law school with the strong work ethic skills that he learned from working with his parents on a ranch in Texas all his life.

Throughout his journey of finding out what he really wanted to do, he came across criminal law and found that he was truly passionate about getting justice for those that are truly innocent.

It is that passion that drives him and his team to work hard and fight aggressively for our clients.

Learn More

Erinaldy Agosto

Immigration lawyer

Erinaldy Agosto-Mújica is an experienced attorney with more than 16 years of legal practice in Puerto Rico and the United States. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and raised in Canóvanas, he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Law and a minor in Human Resources from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (Ponce). He received his Juris Doctor from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law, where he was an active participant in the Puerto Rican Law Review and completed international coursework in Family Law and European Union law through the José Ortega y Gasset Foundation in Toledo, Spain.

Admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico in 2009, Mr. Agosto-Mújica began his practice in Canóvanas and Cayey, earning a reputation for a personal, client-centered approach. He has served on the legal team for the Puerto Rico Department of the Family, representing and advocating for the rights of abused children. In 2015 he relocated to San Antonio, Texas, where he maintains a practice that continues to serve clients in Puerto Rico.

Mr. Agosto-Mújica’s practice in San Antonio focuses on immigration law, including visa processing, naturalization, deportation and removal defense, and visitation of detained individuals nationwide. He also represents clients in family law, criminal law, and personal injury matters. Since 2020, he has shared office space with fellow San Antonio attorneys Miguel Ortiz (Family Law) and Hector Gonzalez III (Criminal Law), fostering collaborative client service across practice areas.

Known for his direct and compassionate client communication, Mr. Agosto-Mújica combines cross-jurisdictional experience with a commitment to zealous advocacy and practical legal solutions.

In-person, phone, and video consultations available. Call (210) 526-0001, email [email protected], or visit https://www.agostolawfirm.com to schedule a consultation. Free case evaluations may be available.

FREE RESOURCES SECTION

GUIDE: “5 CRIMINAL CHARGES THAT CAN TRIGGER DEPORTATION” (PDF DOWNLOAD IN EXCHANGE FOR EMAIL)

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BLOG LINKS: DUI & IMMIGRATION, WAIVERS FOR GREEN CARD HOLDERS, ETC.