Legal Question in Immigration Law in New Jersey

Immigration/deportation

I am cuban I have hearing for deportation because of a old charge of possesion of marijuana.I have 2 under age children that were born and reside in the USA.I've completed my sentence for that charge.I'm working legally.I'm low income but I'm my children main provider.I have been sending documents to a public lawyer but had she just decided that she can not take the case after six months.The judge has given me two weeks to come with a lawyer.I can not find a Lawyer that I can afford or take my case.The Judge already gave me six months. What can I do when I go to court without a lawyer to defend myself


Asked on 1/08/07, 3:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ruchi Thaker Law Office of Ruchi Thaker

Re: Immigration/deportation

It is best to find a lawyer to assist you with your immigration case, especially since it involves an issue of criminal deportation defense. You can also represent yourself pro se, in which case the judge should explain what the charges against you mean. He should also explain to you what relief you might be eligible for, if any. If you are eligible to apply for any relief, it may involve filing applications for relief and putting on a "mini-trial" to see whether you deserve to stay here or not.

However, it is not the judge's obligation to provide you with a lawyer. He may provide you with a list of attorneys or organizations that can help you for free or a very low cost. You should have gotten that list when you were placed in removal proceedings with the Notice to Appear (or if you were in deportation proceedings, with the Order to Show Cause). The best suggestion would be for you to look into whether an organization can represent you pro bono (free) if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Good Luck!

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Answered on 1/09/07, 12:25 pm


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