In front of an immigration judge
A notice to appear starts a case in immigration court. You may bring a lawyer at your own cost, and a case with one is run differently from one without.
Court cases are priced by stage, so you know what a hearing costs before the hearing: a bond hearing, an asylum application and representation through the first full hearing each have their own flat fee. Appeals are quoted after we have read the decision.
No one can promise how a judge will rule, and we do not. We promise to be prepared, to tell you the truth about your chances and to be in the room.
The stages of a case
- 01
Step 1: The first hearing
The judge confirms who you are, hears your response to the charges and sets dates. It is short and it matters.
- 02
Step 2: Applying for relief
Asylum and other forms of relief need an application, evidence and often witnesses. This is the longest stage.
- 03
Step 3: The full hearing
You testify, the government may ask questions and the judge decides, sometimes that day and sometimes later.
- 04
Step 4: Appeal
Either side can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. The deadline is short, so call us the day you receive a decision.
Questions about court
I received a notice to appear. What now?
Do not ignore it. Missing a hearing can lead to an order of removal in your absence. Call us the day it arrives and bring every paper you were given.
Can you help someone who is detained?
Yes. A family member can call us, and we meet detained clients by video where the facility allows. We start with whether a bond hearing is possible.
Can I still ask for asylum after more than a year here?
Often, but a one-year deadline applies to most asylum applications and the exceptions are narrow. We look at exactly when and how you arrived and say plainly where you stand.
If you have a hearing date, call now
Bring the notice, the date and anything else you have received. We will say what can be done and what it costs.
The case review is credited to your flat fee if you hire us within 30 days.