Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Am i required to testify?

I received a notice to appear for immigrationcourt master hearing. am i required to testify? this is regarding allegations by uscis of sham marriage. i am requesting voluntary departure. i have no criminal record.


Asked on 5/30/09, 1:14 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Armen Tashjian Law Offices of Armen M. Tashjian

Re: Am i required to testify?

You need to be represented. If you get nailed on an immigration fraud not only you'll be deported and permanently be banned from any immigration benefit, you may also be referred for criminal prosecution.

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Answered on 5/30/09, 1:55 pm
Joseph La Costa Joseph La Costa, Attorney at Law

Re: Am i required to testify?

You really should consult an Immigration Attorney, because there are many ways to get residency, some of which you may already have. This matter is complex and you should not try to do it yourself so you should get an attorney to discuss your options. If you are located in Southern California, you can email me your contact info, so we can discuss your particular situation. There is no charge for consultation

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Answered on 6/11/09, 2:02 pm
Alice Yardum-Hunter Alice M. Yardum-Hunter, a Law Corp.

Re: Am i required to testify?

You must appear in removal proceedings or you will be found deported in your absence. You should not do this given you have received notice and can't change the outcome as a result. You may be able to qualify for relief possibly if you do show up. If you need time to hire an attorney the judge will allow that time.

I would be happy to help you out if you contact me offline. Check me out at http://www.yardum-hunter.com, fill out a consultation request there at http://www.yardum-hunter.com/Main/Consultation.asp or email me at [email protected]. Until then, please don't rely on this as legal advice.

Alice M. Yardum-Hunter, Attorney at Law, Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, State Bar of CA, Bd. of Legal Specialization

ST: 15915 Ventura Blvd., Penthouse #1, Encino, CA 91436

EM: [email protected] WEB: http://www.yardum-hunter.com

A �Super Lawyer� 2004 � 2009, Los Angeles Magazine

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Answered on 6/02/09, 5:12 pm
Ellaine Loreto Law Offices of Ellaine Loreto

Re: Am i required to testify?

The master hearing is the initial pleading, where you admit or deny the allegations. Should you admit guilt, the judge may decide to order your deportation/removal, and not give you the option to leave the U.S. voluntarily. Should you plead not guilty, a future trial date will be set for you to present evidence to prove your innocence.

Marriage fraud is a serious offense with criminal and immigration consequences, should the judge find you guilty. If you feel you can prove your innocence, please contact an attorney.

To discuss your specific case further, kindly email me directly at [email protected], or refer to our contact information on our website at www.loretomedinalaw.com. Our first consultation is FREE.

Note: The above response is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice, nor to create an attorney-client relationship, which can only be established through payment of consideration.

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Answered on 6/01/09, 1:46 pm


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