3942 people were forcibly deported from South Florida by Homeland Security during the first six months of 2007.
5889 people were deported from South Florida during the first six months of 2008.
An increase of over 2000 deportations during the first six months of 2008.
Starting in 2007 federal authorities have focused on deporting inmates in Florida correctional institutions: those charged with aggravated assault, weapons charges, kidnapping, sex offenses, cocaine possession, drug trafficking, money laundering, sexual assault and sexual battery are priority deportations.
The expanded scope of federal authorities in seeking deportation of those charged with or convicted of crimes means a successful criminal defense is critical.
Criminal lawyers throughout South Florida increasingly have to consider the immigration and deportation consequences of an arrest and conviction.
For many criminal defense attorneys in South Florida this new focus on the immigration aspects and considerations of their clients is uncharted territory. Increasingly those arrested and charged with crimes in South Florida are demanding their criminal defense lawyer give them quality advice on immigration issues.
Attorney Ralph Behr, whose practice is limited to criminal defense and state and federal court, has expanded the scope of criminal defense services to include immigration consultations with prominent immigration attorneys in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
For more information or consultation call one 800-761-3446