Each day it seems that news reports are replete with stories regarding immigrants illegally crossing the southern border into the United States. While most immigrants are peaceful and otherwise law-abiding and simply seeking a better life for themselves and their families, others have been convicted of serious crimes either in their country of origin or in this country. One case involves a man who had been arrested and convicted of a sex crime in Minnesota in 2016. He was rearrested recently near the southern border ostensibly trying to enter the United States illegally.
Details regarding suspect and arrests, convictions
Reports state the man was a 36-year-old foreign national. In 2016, he was apparently arrested in Bloomington for having unlawful sexual contact with a victim between the years of 13 and 15. He was ultimately convicted on the charge, a third-degree felony, and was given a sentence of 36 months. He was also deported from the United States.
On Jan. 8, the man was arrested along with several other adult migrants who were apparently attempting to cross into the U.S. illegally. He was arrested near Mission, Texas, and upon checking his criminal record, authorities learned of his previous arrest and conviction. No word was given as to the additional charges the man faces or the extent to which his previous conviction will impact his situation.
Right to criminal defense
Regardless, the man has the right to fight the recent charges against him. As such, he will want to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney, who can analyze all factors regarding his recent arrest and ensure his rights are protected. A lawyer will also help challenge any efforts by prosecutors to use his past conviction as evidence against him in his upcoming case.
