If you or someone you love has been detained by immigration officers, then you know how difficult and scary it is to deal with potential deportation. Unfortunately, if you are detained by U.S. immigration officers, then there is no telling how long your detention will last or what the outcome will be. Although there are many difficult things to surmount when facing deportation, there is also a lot you can do to help your case. One of these things to make the process easier is to petition the court for a bond hearing. So, what is a bond? How do bonds lead to your release from detention? A bond is a certain amount of money, determined by an immigration judge, that if paid, will allow your release from detention while you await your hearings. A bond is also a promise that you will attend all of your hearings and fulfill all of the orders given by the judge, including deportation. If you do everything the court asks of you, then whoever paid the bond will get all of their money back. If you don’t, then you lose the bond money and a judge is likely to order your immediate deportation. Obviously, having the freedom to go to work and be with your family during the stressful immigration process is invaluable to your well-being. So how can you request a bond hearing? What do they entail? Let’s discuss. Ask the court If you are detained and awaiting the official start of your deportation case, there are two ways that you can ask the immigration judge for a bond hearing. First, you can make an oral request at the first scheduled court date that you have. Or, if you have been detained for several days and have no been given a court date, you can make a written request to the immigration court. This written request is called a motion. For either option, your best chance of being heard and granted a hearing is to work with an immigration lawyer who can work quickly to make your request and advocate effectively on your behalf. Eligibility In order to be eligible to be released on bond, you will have to prove to the immigration judge that you are not a danger to society and you are not a flight risk. Sometimes, a person will not be eligible for a bond hearing, like if they have been deported in the past or have certain kinds of criminal convictions. Before asking the judge for a bond hearing, make sure you speak with your immigration attorney to determine your eligibility. What can you expect? On the day of your bond hearing, you will be escorted to the court and given time to consult with your attorney. There are several documents that you must bring with you to the hearing, like a sponsor letter (from the person with whom you will be living with while out on bond) as well as any other necessary supporting documents, from tax to medical records and other letters of support from friends, family, and colleagues. These documents can all be gathered and prepared by your attorney so all you will have to do on the day of is show up and listen to the judge. Once your hearing starts, the judge will review your eligibility before making a determination as to whether to grant your release on bond. Because you have to show the judge that you are not a danger to anyone or a flight risk, having a lawyer who has prepared your case and is able to advocate on your behalf will be essential to seeing a successful outcome at your bond hearing. Speak with an experienced immigration lawyer. Dealing with detention and facing deportation are two very stressful and scary things to deal with. By working with a trusted San Francisco immigration lawyer , you can ensure that you are giving yourself or your loved one the best chance at success. At Landerholm Immigration, we understand how important our clients’ needs are and want to work with you every step of the way. If you or someone you love has been detained, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away at (510) 491-0291 to book your legal consultation today!
