Navigating the complexities of an ICE hold requires careful consideration of legal strategies and expert guidance. This guide aims to explore the different avenues for transitioning from state custody to immigration custody and emphasizes the advantages of hiring a criminal defense attorney before considering an immigration attorney.
Ways to Transition from State to Immigration Custody
When someone has an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainer or ICE hold, it means that federal authorities are requesting that state authorities hold that individual for an additional 48 hours after they are released from state custody. Immigration officials will not take custody of the individual until they are released from state custody. To begin, it is important to understand the different ways someone can be released from state custody.
- Paying the Bond:
- Individuals can pay the bond for state charges, leading to a transfer from state custody to immigration custody upon release.
- However, this method may not address potential immigration consequences.
- Getting Charges Dismissed:
- Hiring a criminal defense attorney to work towards the dismissal of charges, ensuring a clean criminal record for immigration court.
- This proactive strategy is pivotal in minimizing adverse effects on immigration proceedings.
- Pleading Guilty to Offense Charges:
- Some individuals might consider pleading guilty to reduced charges that won’t have negative immigration consequences.
- This approach requires careful evaluation of charges and their impact on immigration proceedings.
- Reducing Charges to Avoid Immigration Consequences:
- Engaging a criminal defense attorney to negotiate reduced charges, preventing adverse effects in immigration court.
- This strategic move requires expertise in both criminal and immigration law.
Why Paying the Bond in State Court May Not Be Advisable
After outlining the various ways an individual with an ICE detainer or an ICE Hold may transition from state to immigration custody, it’s crucial to establish that simply paying the bond for state charges may not be advisable. While it might secure release from state custody, it doesn’t address potential immigration consequences.
First, it is absolutely imperative that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before taking any action to help an individual with an ICE hold. Paying the bond on a state case will trigger immigration officials to take custody of the non-citizen who was subject to the ICE hold. If an individual goes to immigration custody with a criminal case still pending, it may affect their ability to get a bond in immigration court.
Paying the bond on a state case does not resolve the state criminal matter. Paying a bond simply allows an individual to be released from state custody while their criminal case proceeds through the criminal court process. However, if an individual has an ICE hold, that individual will not be released into the local community after a state bond is paid. Instead, immigration officials will come to take custody of the individual within 48 hours of the bond being paid (excluding weekends). The non-citizen will then be taken into immigration custody and placed in immigration proceedings.
Many immigrant families hold the mistaken belief that a bond is the equivalent of a “fine” and that paying the bond will somehow resolve the state criminal matter. This is not true. A bond is simply an amount of money that someone must put forward as security in order to assure their presence at any future court proceeding for the criminal matter. It does nothing to address the underlying criminal matter.
Bond in Immigration Court:
Obtaining a bond in immigration court is a separate process, and the immigration judge considers factors like criminal history and any pending cases. Without question, it is best for a non-citizen to have a clean criminal history when they appear before an immigration judge. If they arrive at immigration court with a criminal case still pending (because they paid a bond instead of resolving their state criminal matter), the immigration judge can use the pending state case as a reason to deny their bond in immigration court.
If a bond is denied in immigration court, it does not mean that an individual has lost their immigration case. However, if they want to claim some form of relief (asylum, refugee status, or some special non-immigrant visa), they will not have to do so while they remain in immigration custody. Fighting for asylum or refugee status is a long process that can take anywhere from six months to more than a year!
This is why it is imperative to hire a criminal defense attorney before paying the bond on the state criminal charges. An experienced attorney will analyze all the facts and make a determination of the best course of action.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney First?
- Pending Charges and Bond Eligibility:
- Any pending charge can affect the individual’s eligibility for bond in immigration court.
- Resolving state charges with a criminal defense attorney increases the chances of obtaining a bond.
- Clean Criminal Record for Immigration Court:
- Appearing in immigration court with a clean criminal record is highly advantageous.
- Hiring a criminal defense attorney is crucial to achieving a clean record by getting charges dismissed.
- Case-Specific Strategies:
- Every case is unique, and a criminal defense attorney can tailor strategies to the specific circumstances.
- Experienced criminal defense attorneys, like Jorge Vela, can provide personalized guidance.
Balancing Custody and Case Benefits
- Staying in Custody for a Better Outcome:
- In some cases, staying in custody longer while charges are dismissed may lead to a more favorable immigration court outcome.
- A criminal defense attorney can assess the situation and advise on the best course of action.
- Consideration of Individual Circumstances:
- Each case has its nuances, and only a criminal defense attorney familiar with immigration law can provide accurate advice.
- Balancing the length of custody with the overall benefits of the case requires careful consideration.
Why Choose Attorney Jorge Vela in Austin, Texas?
- Fluent in Spanish:
- Effective communication is crucial, and Jorge Vela’s fluency in Spanish ensures clear understanding and communication with clients.
- Clear communication is essential in legal matters, and Jorge Vela’s proficiency in Spanish facilitates seamless interaction with clients.
- Extensive Experience in Complex Criminal Matters:
- Dealing with ICE holds often involves complex legal matters. Jorge Vela’s extensive experience ensures a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved.
- Complex legal matters demand a nuanced understanding, and Jorge Vela’s track record demonstrates his capability to navigate these intricacies successfully.
- Proven Track Record:
- Jorge Vela has a proven track record of successfully navigating complex criminal cases, making him a reliable choice for those facing an ICE hold.
- A proven track record is a testament to an attorney’s expertise and effectiveness in achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
In conclusion, when confronted with an ICE hold, hiring a criminal defense attorney like Jorge Vela offers distinct advantages. From navigating bond eligibility to securing a clean criminal record for immigration court, a criminal defense attorney’s expertise is invaluable in achieving the best outcome. Consider the unique aspects of your case and trust an experienced professional for guidance and representation.
