3 Signs You Need A Deportation Defense Lawyer
Immigration law is a complex field that can seem hopelessly confusing for the layperson. Worse yet, immigrants may face an uphill battle when it comes to sorting out legal issues in a country where the language and culture may still be unfamiliar. Fortunately, not all immigration troubles have to end in deportation. If you, a friend, or a family member has recently dealt with any of the three situations below, then you should know that a deportation defense attorney can help.
Overstaying a Visa (Unlawful Presence)
Generally, overstaying a visa is grounds for deportation. However, there are legitimate reasons why an individual may have stayed past the date on your visa. A deportation defense attorney can work to successfully build a case that shows an individual stayed in the country because of a pending asylum application, for example, or a situation involving domestic violence or human trafficking.
Facing Criminal Charges
Anyone facing criminal charges would be wise to seek out legal representation, but this is doubly true in cases where an individual is an immigrant. An arrest or criminal conviction usually complicates immigrant status and may result in a deportation order. That said, a lawyer can help a defendant understand their rights and advise them on what steps to take next. For many people who have been charged, these options may include cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or administrative appeal.
Missing One or More Deadlines
So much of immigration law is centered on bureaucratic requirements, many of which involved strict deadlines and mountains of paperwork. If you have missed an important deadline while in the process of completing an important application, then you may be technically at risk for deportation. Of course, while there are often several solutions available to people with non-citizen status, these can be hidden behind a substantial amount of red tape. A deportation defense attorney can make everything clear and work to rectify the consequences of any missed deadlines as soon as possible.
Every immigrant's situation is slightly different, which means that it may not be easy to find answers online about what needs to be done in a given situation. Luckily, a lawyer can provide legal advice, help to explore all possible avenues, and fight for their client's best interests throughout the entirety of a case. When a person's continued stay in a country is on the line, there is all the more reason to contact an attorney right away.
Talk to a deportation defense attorney to learn more.