Removal defense
A notice, a detention or a hearing date: what to do first
A notice to appear starts a case in immigration court. Ignoring it doesn't pause the case: a judge can order removal when no one comes.
Bring the notice, every other paper the government has sent you and a list of your dates in this country. I read them, tell you what the charges mean and name the ways a judge can be asked to let you stay. If someone you love is detained, call the number at the top of the page, day or night.
What I handle
Notices to appear and master hearings
Bond requests for detained family
Applications for relief before the judge
Motions to reopen an old order
Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals
The court calendar
Three hearings, in the order they usually come
- 01
Step 1: The preliminary hearing
The judge reads the charges and you answer them. I ask for time to prepare and to file any application.
- 02
Step 2: The merits hearing
You and your witnesses testify, and the government's lawyer asks questions. We rehearse it before the day.
- 03
Step 3: The ruling
The judge rules, often that day. An appeal has a short deadline, so we decide together in the room.
Court and detention questions
What if I missed a hearing?
Call right away. In some cases an order made in your absence can be reopened, but the deadlines are strict and some start from the hearing date.
How do I find out where a relative is held?
The government keeps an online detainee locator. Have the person's full name, country of birth and A-number, if you know it, and call me with what you find.
Can you promise a bond?
No. A judge or the agency decides whether to release someone and for how much. I can show what weighs in your relative's favor and ask.
Someone detained? Call now.
Detention calls reach me day and night. For a notice or a hearing date, book a consultation and bring the papers.