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Criminal Law & Immigration

Criminal Law & Immigration - Integrated Legal Representation in Edmonton

For non-citizens in Canada, a criminal charge is never just a criminal matter. The consequences of a conviction can extend far beyond fines or jail time, permanent residents can lose their status, foreign nationals can face deportation, and refugee claimants can have their protection claims affected. At Salloum and Company, our Edmonton lawyers provide integrated legal representation that protects both your freedom and your future in Canada.

This is one of the most complex and consequential intersections in Canadian law. A criminal defence lawyer who does not understand immigration law may negotiate a plea deal that results in deportation. An immigration lawyer who does not understand criminal procedure may not appreciate the full scope of the risk. At Salloum and Company, we bridge both disciplines ensuring every decision is made with the complete picture in mind.

Whether you are a permanent resident, a foreign national on a work or study permit, or a refugee claimant facing criminal charges in Edmonton, our team is uniquely positioned to defend your rights on both fronts.

Criminal Defence for Non-Citizens

We provide full-service criminal defence representation for permanent residents, foreign nationals, and refugee claimants charged with offences in Alberta. Our approach integrates immigration analysis from the outset so every bail hearing, plea negotiation, trial decision, and sentencing submission accounts for the immigration consequences alongside the criminal law objectives.

Pre-Charge & Pre-Plea Immigration Advice

Before criminal charges are formally laid and critically, before any guilty plea is entered, non-citizens should receive comprehensive advice on immigration consequences. The difference between two similar dispositions can be the difference between keeping status and facing removal. We provide this advice early and in plain language, so clients can make fully informed decisions.

Impaired Driving (DUI) & Immigration

Since 2018, impaired driving offences in Canada carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, classifying them as serious criminality under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This means a DUI conviction can render a permanent resident removable and a foreign national inadmissible. We defend DUI charges with immigration consequences in full view, exploring every available option to protect our clients.

Drug Offences & Immigration Consequences

Drug-related convictions including possession, trafficking, and production offences can have devastating immigration consequences. Depending on the offence and the disposition, a conviction may trigger inadmissibility for serious criminality or, in the case of trafficking-related offences, organized criminality. Our integrated approach focuses on achieving the best outcome in both the criminal and immigration dimensions of each case.

Domestic Violence Charges & Immigration

Domestic violence charges, including assault, criminal harassment, and breaches of conditions, are aggressively prosecuted in Alberta. For non-citizens, these charges carry unique immigration risks. We provide skilled criminal defence with full awareness of the immigration stakes — including the potential impact on sponsorship applications, open work permits tied to spousal relationships, and refugee claims.

Criminal Record Suspension & Immigration Rehabilitation

A Record Suspension (formerly called a pardon) can remove a Canadian conviction from active criminal records databases and, in some cases, help overcome inadmissibility to Canada or other countries. We coordinate the Record Suspension application alongside immigration rehabilitation to achieve the most comprehensive outcome handling both the criminal and immigration dimensions of the process.

Why Choose Salloum and Company

  • Rare combination of criminal law and immigration law expertise under one roof in Edmonton
  • Integrated strategy from the moment of charge through final immigration outcome
  • Familiarity with Edmonton courts, Crown prosecutors, and local CBSA operations
  • Discreet and non-judgmental representation in high-stakes, sensitive cases

FAQs

Find answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask about our services and the legal process.

Can a criminal conviction result in deportation from Canada?
Yes. Permanent residents convicted of an offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years or more, or sentenced to more than 6 months in prison, may be subject to a removal order. Foreign nationals face an even lower threshold.
Potentially yes. Since 2018, impaired driving offences carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, classifying them as serious criminality under IRPA. This can render permanent residents removable and foreign nationals inadmissible.
It can — significantly. Before entering any guilty plea, non-citizens should consult a lawyer who understands both criminal law and immigration law. Some plea arrangements can be structured to minimize immigration consequences.
In some cases, a Record Suspension can assist in overcoming inadmissibility for offences committed in Canada. For foreign convictions, an individual rehabilitation application to IRCC is the primary mechanism.
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