Attorneys George A. Terezakis and Lorena E. Alfaro.
Padilla Advisals for Defense Counsel
In Padilla v. Kentucky, the U.S. Supreme Court held that it is ineffective assistance of counsel for a criminal defense attorney to fail to advise his client of the direct, adverse, immigration consequences of a guilty plea. For our non-citizen clients, the risk of deportation, or the inability to gain legal status as the result...
Appeals
Our firm has litigated and won many appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, as well as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Board of Immigration Appeals If an Immigration Judge orders a person’s deportation-removal, that person has an absolute right to appeal that decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Our expertise in criminal,...
Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of status is the process by which someone who has been lawfully admitted to the United States – even if they are currently out of status – applies to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or a “green card” holder. They must have an immediate relative who can petition for them,...
Citizenship
In most instances, a lawful permanent resident may apply to naturalize and become a U.S. citizen, after 3 years, if they are married to a U.S. citizen, or after 5 years otherwise. The person must be able to demonstrate they continue to reside in the U.S.; that they are paying their taxes; that they have...
Criminal Defense
A criminal prosecution is an unfamiliar and intimidating experience for most people. There is so much at stake: the possibility of being convicted and incarcerated, the stigma of a criminal conviction, loss of employment or loss of one’s professional license, revocation of a driver’s license and potentially years of probation or parole supervision. If the...
Deportation-Removal Defense
Deportation proceedings are in essence, a civil prosecution, and a frightening and intimidating experience. Because so much is at stake, we are dedicated to providing each of our clients with a skilled, informed, compassionate, and comprehensive defense. We stand beside, and guide our clients through each stage of the proceedings: from deferred inspection and detention,...
Traffic Violations
Defend your License! Have you been issued a summons for a moving violation? Are you worried about getting points on your license, or having it suspended? Did you know recent changes in D.M.V. regulations now mean that certain convictions can result in a lifetime review of your driving record, and in permanent revocation of your...
Immigration Law
Family-Based Immigration Applying for immigration benefits for a family member is often an intimidating, confusing, and frustrating experience. We can help you. Our attorneys and staff are experienced and familiar with the complex procedures involved in obtaining immigration benefits. We can assist you with the following: Preparing and filing a relative visa petition. Preparing and...