Immigration Court Lawyer Fredericksburg, VA
You received a Notice to Appear from the Department of Homeland Security, ordering you to appear before an Immigration Judge at the Arlington Immigration Court. The notice states that the government believes you are removable from the United States. Your family, your job, and your entire life in Fredericksburg are at risk. You need a lawyer who knows immigration court from the inside—who understands the judges, the procedures, and the law—and who will advocate forcefully for your right to remain. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has represented individuals in immigration court proceedings since 1997. He and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare every case thoroughly and appear at Immigration Court ready to present your defense. Contact our firm today at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a confidential consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Immigration Court and Fredericksburg Residents
Although Fredericksburg does not have its own immigration courthouse, residents of the city and surrounding communities fall under the jurisdiction of the federal immigration courts and USCIS field offices in Northern Virginia. Removal (deportation) proceedings for Fredericksburg residents are heard at the Arlington Immigration Court, located at 1901 South Bell Street, Arlington, Virginia. That court is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. For affirmative applications—such as adjustment of status, naturalization, or employment authorization—Fredericksburg residents deal with the USCIS Washington District Office on Prosperity Avenue in Fairfax.
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly at the Arlington Immigration Court. They are familiar with the scheduling, the procedural expectations, and the practical realities of litigating a case there. Because immigration court is a federal forum, the same rules and standards apply regardless of where you live—but the experience of your attorney with the specific courthouse, the government attorneys who prosecute removal cases, and the local legal culture makes an immediate difference in the quality of your representation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is based in Fairfax, only a short distance from the Arlington court, and we serve clients throughout the Fredericksburg area.
What to Expect When You Go to Immigration Court
Immigration court operates differently from a state criminal or civil court. The first hearing is usually a master calendar hearing, which is a brief scheduling conference where an Immigration Judge advises you of your rights, reads the charges against you, and schedules a later individual merits hearing. At the master calendar hearing you enter your position on the charges and identify the form of relief you intend to seek—for example, cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, or voluntary departure. The judge sets deadlines for filing applications and supporting documents, and schedules the merits hearing, which is the full trial of your case.
At the individual merits hearing, you have the right to present your own evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine the government’s witnesses, and make legal arguments. The hearing is formal, with direct and cross-examination, objections, and a final ruling by the Immigration Judge. The government is represented by an Assistant Chief Counsel from the Department of Homeland Security. Having an experienced attorney who knows how to build a persuasive record, object to improper evidence, and present your personal story effectively is often the difference between winning and losing. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare every witness, gather corroborating evidence, and submit well-researched legal briefs to put your strong case forward.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Defend Your Case
Every removal case follows a similar path, but no two cases are the same. The first step is a private, detailed consultation to understand your immigration history, your family situation, and any criminal or agency contacts that could affect your eligibility for relief. From that consultation, we identify every form of relief you may qualify for and develop a strategy. For example, if you have lived in the United States for at least ten years, have good moral character, and can show that your removal would cause dedicated and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying relative who is a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may be eligible for cancellation of removal. If you fear persecution in your home country, you may apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. If you are married to a U.S. Citizen and entered the country lawfully, adjustment of status may be available. We explore every avenue.
Once a strategy is chosen, we gather the evidence: country condition reports, medical records, sworn statements from family members, employment records, tax returns, proof of community involvement, and any reports from attorneys. We prepare you and your witnesses for direct and cross-examination. We file the necessary applications with the court and the Department of Homeland Security, and we present your case at the merits hearing with a clear, organized narrative. Because immigration law is complex and constantly evolving, Mr. Sris stays current on Board of Immigration Appeals precedent and circuit court decisions that affect removal proceedings. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring additional depth in criminal and family law, which frequently intersect with immigration matters.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founding Attorney of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced in immigration law for nearly three decades. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—giving him a broad understanding of how federal immigration law interacts with state criminal and family court systems. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, which means he approaches every immigration case with an understanding of how the government builds its case and where its weaknesses are. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates a significant part of its practice on immigration law. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include individuals with backgrounds in criminal defense, family law, and law enforcement—all of which strengthen our ability to handle the intersecting legal issues that arise in removal proceedings. Our team works collaboratively, so you benefit from the collective experience of multiple attorneys rather than the perspective of a single lawyer. We communicate with clients in English, Spanish, and Tamil, and we are available to meet at our Fairfax location by appointment. Contact us at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court?
Contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately and do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. The Notice to Appear contains the legal charges against you and the date of your first hearing. You must appear; failure to appear can result in a removal order entered in your absence. When you call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747, we will review the notice, explain the charges, and help you understand what relief might be available.
Do I have a right to an attorney in immigration court?
You have the right to be represented by an attorney, but the government does not provide one for you—you must hire your own lawyer. Immigration court is a civil proceeding, not a criminal one, so the Sixth Amendment right to appointed counsel does not apply. Hiring a qualified attorney to prepare and present your case gives you the strongest chance of a favorable outcome. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent clients in removal proceedings regularly and can begin working on your defense immediately.
How long does an immigration court case take in Virginia?
The length of an immigration court case depends on the complexity of your claims, the availability of evidence, and the court’s calendar. The Arlington Immigration Court, like many immigration courts, has a significant backlog, but some cases can move more quickly if they are straightforward. Once your attorney files the necessary applications and evidence, the court schedules a merits hearing. The timeline varies, and Mr. Sris will work to move your case forward as efficiently as the process allows while still building the strong $1.
What forms of relief are available in removal proceedings?
The relief available depends on your immigration history, family ties, and any fear of harm in your home country. Common forms of relief include cancellation of removal (both for lawful permanent residents and nonpermanent residents), asylum, withholding of removal, adjustment of status, voluntary departure, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. Some forms of relief require proving specific hardship to a qualifying relative. An attorney from our firm can evaluate which options apply to your situation.
Can I work while my immigration court case is pending?
If you have a valid employment authorization document, you may continue to work while your case is active—and if you do not have one, you may apply for permission. In many removal proceedings, you can file an application for employment authorization along with your request for relief. Eligibility depends on the type of case and your immigration category. Our firm helps clients apply for and renew employment authorization documents so they can support themselves and their families while their case is pending.
What happens if the Immigration Judge denies my case?
You have the right to appeal an adverse decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals. An appeal must be filed within a short, inflexible deadline—usually 30 days from the date of the decision. Mr. Sris handles immigration appeals and will advise you on the likelihood of success on appeal based on the record created at the trial level. If necessary, further review in the federal circuit court may be available. Prompt action is critical; contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 as soon as possible after an unfavorable ruling.
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Official resources: Executive Office for Immigration Review | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Engaging Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Requires a signed engagement agreement. Our Fairfax location is at 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032; consultations are by appointment. Call (888) 437-7747.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.