If you or a loved one has received a Notice to Appear (NTA), you may feel overwhelmed by what’s ahead. At Mendoza Law, our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined experience to deportation defense cases throughout Southern California.
Our Long Beach deportation defense lawyers defend individuals, permanent residents, and families in removal proceedings and help them pursue relief that fits their facts. Our Long Beach immigration lawyers handle bond hearings, master calendar and individual (merits) hearings, and relief applications involving asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, waivers, and more.
If an NTA has put you or your loved ones at risk, contact Mendoza Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.
Why Choose a Long Beach Deportation Defense Attorney From Mendoza Law?
With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys provide reliable, strategic representation in deportation and removal cases. We represent clients throughout Southern California, tailoring each defense to your unique facts and circumstances.
Our approach combines timely filings, clear documentation, and carefully prepared testimony. Whether you face detention, an adverse ruling, or a complicated case history, our Long Beach deportation defense attorneys work to protect your rights every step of the way.
Immediate Steps After Receiving a Notice to Appear
If you receive a Notice to Appear, your first steps are critical. Removal proceedings legally begin when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) files the NTA with the Immigration Court. This filing triggers the Immigration Judge’s (IJ) jurisdiction.
Carefully review the NTA to confirm your hearing date, time, and location, and add it immediately to your calendar. Failing to appear could result in a removal order in absentia. Always confirm the hearing information on EOIR’s automated system and update your address to avoid notice problems.
At your consultation, bring the NTA, prior immigration filings, and any criminal records so we can evaluate your options. Do not speak to ICE or other officers without legal guidance; statements made without counsel could harm your case.
If Your Loved One Is Detained
For detained loved ones, gather their booking number and detention location. This allows our deportation defense attorneys serving Long Beach to verify custody status and assess eligibility for bond or other release options.
How Immigration Court Proceedings Work
Removal cases involve two primary stages:
Master Calendar Hearings
The first hearing, called the master calendar hearing, focuses on pleadings and scheduling. The judge confirms the charges against you and sets deadlines for presenting defenses or seeking relief.
Individual (Merits) Hearings
At the individual hearing, you present evidence, testimony, and arguments for relief. The judge evaluates the case based on the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and supporting evidence. If DHS cannot meet its burden of proof, we ask the court to terminate or dismiss the proceedings.
Bond and Release for Detained Clients
For detained clients, securing release is a priority. Bond eligibility is not available in every case. For example:
- Arriving aliens are generally not eligible for an Immigration Judge bond.
- Individuals with certain criminal charges may face mandatory detention under INA § 236(c).
- Individuals in withholding-only proceedings due to reinstated removal orders are also ineligible for bond.
In these situations, relief may still be possible through DHS parole or other release options. The DHS makes parole decisions under 8 C.F.R. § 212.5, not the judge.
When bond is available, judges evaluate whether you pose a flight risk or danger to the community, as outlined in Matter of Guerra and later cases like Fatahi. We prepare evidence such as community ties, sponsor information, and employment and family records to support your request.
Clarifications on Bond Timing
Under current Supreme Court rulings (Jennings; Arteaga-Martinez), there is no automatic right to a bond hearing after six months of detention. We address detention issues case-by-case to seek the best possible outcome.
The Importance of Evidence in Immigration Court
Strong records build strong cases. Judges rely on testimony, government filings, and third-party documentation to issue decisions. Specific documents we may compile include:
- Identity records.
- Employment verification and tax filings.
- Country condition reports and human rights evidence for asylum cases.
- Supporting letters from family and community members.
When needed, we collaborate with experts to prepare detailed reports or verify country conditions. Credible testimony is equally important, so our Long Beach deportation defense lawyer guides you through direct and cross-examination questions to ensure your case is presented clearly and consistently.
How Criminal Convictions Affect Removal Cases
Criminal convictions under the INA may bar certain relief and can trigger mandatory detention under INA § 236(c). Convictions involving aggravated felonies or crimes of moral turpitude (CIMTs) often carry severe consequences, including removal.
We analyze conviction records, plea agreements, and other court documents to assess consequences. In some cases, post-conviction relief may help reduce or eliminate deportation risks. We coordinate with criminal defense attorneys to pursue motions where appropriate.
For clients facing ICE detainers, we explain the next steps and how jail custody may impact the immigration timeline.
Filing Appeals and Reopening Cases
If the judge issues an adverse decision, our deportation defense attorney serving Long Beach evaluates legal remedies, including:
- Appealing to the BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals): Appeals must be received within 30 days of the judge’s order, and extensions are not allowed.
- Petitions for federal review: Petitions for review in federal appellate courts must be filed within 30 days of the final BIA decision.
- Motions to reopen or reconsider: Generally due within 90 days (for reopening) or 30 days (to reconsider), with limited exceptions for certain new evidence or legal changes.
Call Us for Help From Our Long Beach Deportation Defense Attorneys
If you have received an NTA, are detained, or face removal proceedings, contact Mendoza Law today. Early involvement helps protect your defenses and create a tailored strategy for your case.
Call us now to access a free initial consultation to discuss your options and begin building your case.