Illinois Criminal Charges &
Immigration Consequences
A criminal charge in Illinois can mean more than jail time — for non-citizens, it can mean deportation, a permanent bar to re-entry, or the end of a green card. This tool walks through the federal immigration consequences of Illinois charges, your rights under state law, and what to do next.
Confidential — this tool does not store or transmit your answers
What is your current immigration status?
Immigration consequences vary significantly based on your status. All answers are confidential — this tool does not store or transmit your information.
Padilla v. Kentucky
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2010 that criminal defense attorneys must advise non-citizen clients of deportation consequences before a guilty plea. Illinois codified this in 720 ILCS 5/113-8.
Illinois TRUST Act
Illinois law prohibits state and local police from detaining you solely based on immigration status or a civil ICE detainer. Cook County has additional protections under its Welcoming City Ordinance.
The Plea Is the Moment
The single most important window to protect your immigration status is before you enter a guilty plea. An "immigration-safe" alternative plea may exist. Once you plead, options narrow dramatically.