Foreign Worker Successfully Extended Visa Despite Prior DUI Record

Foreign Worker Successfully Extended Visa Despite Prior DUI Record

Law Firm Dongju 법무법인 동주 

A foreign worker in Korea was investigated for unlicensed driving after being stopped during a routine traffic enforcement.
The client had previously lost his driver’s license due to a past DUI offense, which significantly increased the risk of severe criminal penalties and negative immigration consequences.

Although no alcohol was involved in the current incident and no accident occurred, driving while under license revocation constituted a violation of the Road Traffic Act.
Given the client’s prior DUI record, there was a serious concern that the case could escalate beyond a simple fine and result in immigration offender review, visa extension denial, or even deportation.

Recognizing that this matter involved both criminal law and immigration law, the client sought immediate legal assistance from Dongju Law Firm.

Key defense strategy:

• Clarifying the circumstances – Explaining that the driving occurred due to an urgent work-related situation, without intoxication, reckless behavior, or resulting damage.

• Emphasizing proportionality – Arguing that although the act itself was unlawful, imposing excessive punishment would be disproportionate given the absence of danger or harm.

• Demonstrating rehabilitation and stability – Submitting evidence of the client’s long-term employment, stable residence, sincere remorse, and clear commitment to avoiding any future violations.

• Preparing for immigration review in parallel – Structuring the criminal defense in a way that could be directly used during immigration offender screening and visa extension review.

✅ Outcome:

The court imposed a fine-only sentence, avoiding imprisonment or aggravated penalties.
Based on this outcome and the materials prepared by Dongju Law Firm, the client successfully passed the subsequent immigration review and completed the visa extension without disruption, allowing him to continue working and living in Korea lawfully.

 

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비자 대행 / 형사사건 대응 / 출입국 절차를 대리해 온 법무법인 동주는, 체계적인 전략과 깊이 있는 법률 자문을 통해 의뢰인에게 최적의 해결책을 제공해드립니다.

 

   

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