Removal defense
A letter isn't the end of the road
A Notice to Appear says the government wants to start removal proceedings. It also sets a court date, which gives you time to build a defense. Bring it to a lawyer right away.
Immigration court has its own deadlines, and missing a hearing can end in an order of removal without you in the room. We read your notice, look at every way you may be able to stay, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, a family petition or other relief, and appear with you at each hearing. When the options are narrow, we tell you so.
Notices to Appear and hearing dates
Bond hearings when someone is detained
Asylum, cancellation and other ways to stay
Appeals after a decision
Who does what, hearing by hearing
A case in immigration court usually moves through four steps.
- 01
Before the first hearing
We read your notice, gather your history and decide which defenses to raise. This is when the most is still in your hands.
- 02
The first hearing
A short appearance where the judge asks how you respond to the charges and what relief you'll ask for. We stand beside you.
- 03
The full hearing
Your testimony, your witnesses and your documents. We prepare you weeks ahead, not the night before.
- 04
After the decision
An appeal has a deadline of thirty days. We go over the judge's decision with you and decide together what comes next.
Questions about court and detention
What if I missed my hearing?
Call us right away. In some situations a judge can reopen a case, but the deadlines are short and the reasons have to be specific.
A family member was detained. What do I do first?
Find the person's A-number, the nine-digit number on their papers, and call us. We find out where they're held and whether they can ask for a bond hearing.
What should I do if an agent comes to my door?
You have the right to stay silent and to speak with a lawyer, and you don't have to sign anything you don't understand. Call us as soon as you can.
Will you promise I can stay?
No honest lawyer can. We tell you what the law allows in your situation, what the judge will weigh and how strong we think your case is.
If a letter or a court date has you worried
Call today. Court deadlines are counted in days, and the first call is where we find out which ones apply to you.