In an ongoing domestic violence case involving a former Los Angeles Kings hockey player, Slava Voynov has been moved into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Voynov is now facing the very real potential of deportation back to Russia, his home country. Depending on the actions taken by ICE, it’s likely that the case will drag on for months before it can be resolved.
The Initial Domestic Violence Incident
In October of 2014, Voynov was arrested after an ongoing dispute with his wife. He allegedly struck her in the face at a Kings team Halloween party, and then continued to aggressively assault her when they returned to the couple’s home. The prosecutors in this case pursued felony charges against Voynov for corporal injury to a spouse, but his lawyers negotiated a plea bargain which reduced the charge to misdemeanor domestic abuse.
Although Voynov pleaded no contest, this plea is essentially treated as a guilty plea when it comes to immigration matters. If a person is convicted of a violent crime like domestic violence, the odds are usually not in their favor in immigration court. Voynov will now have to decide whether to remain in the U.S. to fight deportation, or to voluntarily leave the United States and reapply for a visa.
Did Voynov’s Lawyers Know Deportation Was Possible?
It’s curious that Voynov’s lawyers advised him to take the plea deal, as the no contest plea opened up the potential for deportation. Since his lawyers likely focus on criminal defense cases, it’s possible that they simply weren’t aware that the plea deal made Voynov deportable. For this reason, it is always recommended to retain counsel from an immigration lawyer if your immigration status is ever in question.
Facing Deportation? Call (949) 478-7963 Today.
No matter how severe the charges against you may be, you have a right to defend yourself and your immigration status. If you’re facing deportation or removal, contact our Orange County immigration lawyer immediately. Attorney Ashkan Yekrangi is a former immigrant himself, giving him a unique understanding of the laws and challenges which impact immigrants. Call our firm today for any immigration matter.