Deportation/Removal proceedings are civil proceedings initiated by the U.S. Government against a non-citizen, in order to remove that person from the United States.

Deportation/Removal proceedings are civil proceedings, not criminal proceedings, which is one reason there is a big misconception that once a person is done with the criminal justice system, they can no longer suffer adverse consequences as a result of a criminal plea or conviction. In fact, a great many removal cases involve a criminal record, often from long ago, which the U.S. Government may seek years later to use as a basis for removing a non-citizen from the U.S.

Deportation proceedings, while not criminal proceedings, are nonetheless adversarial in nature. Non-citizens in removal proceedings are entitled to be represented by an attorney of their choice, but unlike criminal matters, there is no requirement that an attorney be provided at the expense of the Government. However, the U.S. Government will be represented by an attorney, whose job is to represent the interests of the U.S. Government. This attorney will not be looking out for the best interests of the non-citizen. Therefore, it is critical that a person facing removal hire an experienced Immigration attorney to represent them before the Immigration Court, to ensure that their rights are not violated, and that their removal hearings are conducted in a fundamentally fair and just manner.

Our office and immigration law attorneys have extensive experience defending non-citizens in removal and deportation proceedings. We handle matters before the U.S. Immigration Courts nationwide, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. We are not afraid to take on challenging cases, and litigate at the highest levels if and when necessary and appropriate.

If you or a loved one are facing the serious threat of deportation from the U.S., contact our experienced deportation defense attorneys today at (904) 712-6997.