Frequently Asked Questions

A visa is a temporary authorization to enter or remain in the United States for a specific purpose and period of time. A green card (Lawful Permanent Resident card) grants you the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Green card holders can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.

Processing times vary widely depending on the type of application, your country of origin, and current government backlogs. Family-based petitions can take anywhere from several months to many years. We will give you a realistic timeline during your free consultation based on your specific situation.

In some cases, yes. Certain paths to a green card — such as through asylum, a U visa for crime victims, or adjustment of status through an immediate relative — may be available regardless of how you entered. Each case is unique, and an attorney can help you understand your options.

A Notice to Appear means the government has initiated removal (deportation) proceedings against you. You must appear before an immigration judge on the date listed. It is critical to contact an immigration attorney immediately — missing your hearing can result in an automatic removal order.

In many cases, yes. Depending on your visa or immigration status, you may be able to bring a spouse and unmarried children under 21 as dependents. Family-based petitions also allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain relatives for green cards.

Yes. Our office is fully bilingual — we serve clients in both English and Spanish. You should never have to navigate the immigration system without fully understanding your rights and options. Se habla español.

Yes, it can — sometimes severely. Certain convictions can trigger deportation, bar you from obtaining a green card, or make you ineligible for citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is essential to consult with an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law before accepting any plea deal.

Remain calm and do not resist. You have the right to remain silent — exercise it. Do not answer questions without an attorney present. Ask clearly for a lawyer and do not consent to searches. Contact our office as soon as possible so we can begin protecting your rights.

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail. Felonies are more serious crimes that can result in state prison sentences of more than one year. Both can have lasting consequences on employment, housing, and immigration status.

In California, many misdemeanor and some felony convictions can be expunged after you complete probation and meet other requirements. Expungement can help with employment and housing, though it does not erase the conviction for immigration purposes. We can review your record and advise you on eligibility.

In California, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Claims against a government entity have a much shorter deadline — typically six months to file an administrative claim. Do not wait; contact us as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available.

Most personal injury cases settle out of court through negotiation with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. We will advise you at every step on the best path forward.

California follows a 'pure comparative negligence' rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.

We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict. There are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket expenses during the case.