Hello, this is Law Firm Majung.
Recently, we have seen an increasing number of clients visiting Majung after being caught in drunk driving checkpoints on the road. Many of these clients are not fully aware of Korea’s legal standards and mistakenly believe the matter can be resolved lightly.
However, drunk driving by foreigners in Daegu does not simply end with criminal punishment.
Contents
1. Drunk Driving by Foreigners: More Frightening Than Criminal Punishment Is the “Immigration Risk”
2. Why It Can Actually Lead to Deportation
3. Key Response Points in Daegu Drunk Driving Cases Involving Foreigners
4. Law Firm Majung’s Strategy for Handling Foreign National Cases
1. Drunk Driving by Foreigners: More Frightening Than Criminal Punishment Is the “Immigration Risk”
Everyone knows that drunk driving is subject to criminal punishment.
However, did you know that for foreign nationals, it is often the loss of immigration status—even after criminal penalties—that poses a far greater risk?
Drunk driving by a foreigner can trigger immigration reviews that may result in the following measures:
- Denial or cancellation of visa extension
- Criminal offender review by immigration authorities
- Deportation orders
In particular, the likelihood of deportation due to drunk driving increases significantly in the following situations:
- Blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher (license revocation threshold)
- Repeat offenses
- Involvement in an accident (including personal injury)
- A finalized fine of KRW 3 million or more
In other words, the conclusion of a case with a fine does not guarantee continued legal stay in Korea.
That is why it is crucial, from the very beginning, to simultaneously assess strategies for maintaining immigration status and mitigating criminal penalties.
Because handling this process alone is extremely difficult, we strongly recommend seeking professional assistance to ensure that no critical response timing is missed.
2. Why It Can Actually Lead to Deportation
The Ministry of Justice’s Immigration and Foreign Policy Bureau reexamines a foreign national’s immigration status once criminal penalties—such as those related to drunk driving and deportation—are finalized.
In particular, drunk driving cases are assessed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes the following factors:
- Severity of the violation (repeat offenses, whether an accident occurred, etc.)
- Purpose and necessity of staying in Korea
- Level of remorse and plans to prevent reoffending
- Personal ties and stability, such as family and employment
However, this evaluation process is not automatic. If the individual fails to submit sufficient supporting evidence, the case may result in an adverse determination, potentially leading to deportation due to drunk driving.
Simply stating, “I regret my actions,” is not enough. To remain in Korea, one must submit concrete reasons for continued stay, along with documentation of one’s living foundation and a clear plan to prevent repeat offenses.
3. Key Response Points in Daegu Drunk Driving Cases Involving Foreigners
If you are a foreign national involved in a drunk driving deportation case, the following three points are absolutely essential:
1. Level of criminal punishment
- Whether it is a first offense
- Blood alcohol concentration level
- Whether an accident occurred
2. Immigration response strategy
- Preparation of explanatory and supporting documents tailored to your visa type and purpose of stay
3. Prior consultation with a professional
- Strategic preparation of statements, response order, and overall approach
Cases involving drunk driving by foreign nationals go beyond ordinary legal defense. The key is to manage both criminal and immigration risks simultaneously in order to prevent deportation due to drunk driving.
4. Law Firm Majung’s Strategy for Handling Foreign National Cases
The Daegu foreign drunk driving defense team at Law Firm Majung goes beyond responding to criminal punishment alone. Our goal is to comprehensively address immigration risks as well and prevent deportation due to drunk driving.
We approach each case with the following strengths:
- A legal team that includes former Immigration Office enforcement officers
- Korean Bar Association–certified immigration and visa specialists
- Multilingual interpretation support, including English and Chinese
- Tailored legal strategies based on each client’s immigration status
This is not merely about “reducing a fine.” To continue living in Korea, it is essential to view the case in its entire legal and immigration context and respond accordingly.
If you are being investigated for drunk driving as a foreign national in Daegu, or if a deportation order related to drunk driving has already been issued, now is the time to prepare a strategy to preserve your immigration status.
Criminal penalties are not the end of the matter. Immigration risks must be actively demonstrated, challenged, and prevented.
If you wish to remain in Korea even after a fine has been imposed, and if you want to prevent deportation due to drunk driving, we strongly advise seeking professional, customized immigration defense strategies at this stage.
If the terms “Daegu foreign drunk driving” or “drunk driving deportation” make you uneasy, partner with Law Firm Majung, where integrated criminal and immigration defense is available.
Multilingual consultation available in English and Chinese.
Professional interpreters assist from the first consultation to the conclusion of the case.
Offices in Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju
Don’t face the legal system alone. Let Majung fight for you!
