When the
stakes are
permanent.

First: do not panic, and do not sign anything. Find out where they are being held — you can use the ICE detainee locator at locator.ice.gov or call 1-888-351-4024. Tell your family member not to sign any documents, especially a voluntary departure agreement, without speaking to an attorney first. Signing away your rights can be permanent. Then call an immigration attorney immediately. The first 24–72 hours are critical — the sooner we are involved, the more options are on the table.

A Notice to Appear (NTA) means the federal government has formally initiated removal proceedings against you. This is not a suggestion — it is the beginning of a legal process that could result in your deportation. The NTA will list the charges the government is bringing and the date and location of your first hearing in immigration court. Do not ignore it. Missing a hearing can result in an automatic deportation order. Contact an immigration attorney as soon as you receive an NTA so you can begin building your defense immediately.

Yes. A green card does not make you immune to deportation. Lawful permanent residents can be placed in removal proceedings for a number of reasons, including certain criminal convictions — even old ones that were resolved years ago in criminal court. Offenses classified as aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude, or drug-related charges can all trigger deportability. If you have a green card and any criminal history, you should speak to an immigration attorney before it becomes a problem — especially before traveling internationally, applying for citizenship, or if you have any contact with law enforcement.

It can. Immigration law treats criminal history very differently than criminal court does. A charge that was dismissed, reduced, or pled down in state court can still carry devastating immigration consequences. A DUI, a domestic violence allegation, an old drug plea — any of these can make you deportable or block you from relief, even if you thought the matter was resolved. The criminal court outcome and the immigration outcome are two completely separate things. If you have any criminal history and are not a U.S. citizen, it is critical to have an immigration attorney evaluate your record.

Cancellation of removal is a form of relief available in immigration court that allows certain long-term residents to remain in the United States. To qualify, you generally need to demonstrate at least ten years of continuous physical presence in the U.S., good moral character, and that your removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member — such as a spouse, parent, or child. This is one of the most powerful tools available to people who have built their lives here. The requirements are strict and the evidence must be compelling. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether you qualify and build the strongest possible case.

It depends on your specific situation — and getting this wrong can be catastrophic. Leaving the United States can trigger bars to reentry, abandon pending applications, or expose you to inspection at the border where old issues resurface. If you have any unresolved immigration issues, a prior criminal record, a pending application, or an expired status, do not travel internationally without consulting an immigration attorney first. This is exactly the kind of situation where a preventive consultation can save you from a crisis.

There is no single answer. Immigration court cases can take anywhere from a few months to several years depending on the court's backlog, the complexity of your case, and the type of relief you are pursuing. Cases involving detained individuals tend to move faster because bond hearings are prioritized. Non-detained cases, especially in backlogged courts, can take much longer. What matters most is that the time is used well. Every month leading up to your hearing is an opportunity to gather evidence, strengthen your case, and prepare your defense. That is what we do.

Your first consultation is a confidential conversation where we assess your situation, review any documents you have — such as a Notice to Appear, criminal records, or prior immigration filings — and give you an honest evaluation of where you stand and what your options are. We will tell you what we can do, what the risks are, and what the path forward looks like. There is no pressure and no obligation. The goal is for you to leave the conversation understanding your situation clearly, whether or not you hire us.