Immigration is a matter of considerable public concern and debate. Members of the public are often curious whether non-citizens receive different treatment than U.S. citizens. Some members of the public have concerns that non-citizens receive preferential treatment. This is not the case in the 18th Judicial District. Our prosecutors are concerned with the facts of a defendant’s individual case, and pertinent information about the defendant’s history, such as a criminal record or other pertinent past conduct, and not with the immigration status of a defendant or anyone who is involved, unless there is a criminal act associated with that immigration status, such as identity theft. In other words, our prosecutors do not treat a defendant differently solely because a defendant is not a U.S. citizen or does not have lawful status in the United States. Thus, defendants in this jurisdiction to not receive a benefit, and are not treated worse, solely because of their citizenship status.
Does a defendant’s immigration status make a difference in plea negotiations
