Immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk: I recently saw this story dealing with immigration and drunk driving offences:

An immigrant living on Naperville’s west side faces deportation proceedings, after being arrested and charged with drunken driving for at least the second time in less than five years.

Antonio Gonzalez-Perez, 31, remained Thursday night in DuPage County Jail on $50,000 bail, according to jail records. A “no bond” hold has been placed on him by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, records showed.

This case illustrates the fact that just because you are a permanent resident of the United States, this does not mean that you can commit criminal offences and expect to remain in the country. Unlike citizens, racking up some criminal offences, including multiple DUIs, can lead to deportation.

The best policy, of course, is to avoid getting into trouble with the law completely. However, if you get into trouble, bear in mind that there are immigration consequences to your conviction. For example, even if you are not deported from the United States, if you wish to travel to Canada with a DUI on your record, you may need a temporary resident permit. Contact us if you are unsure about your rights.