Criminal Defense
NYC Criminal Deportations Lawyers
max@dotcomlawyermarketing.com
Legal Expert
8 min read
Updated: Sep 6, 2025
You've built your entire life here. New York City is your home - the place where you work, the neighborhoods you frequent, the communities that embrace you. Maybe you were even born here, the child of immigrant parents seeking better opportunities.But now, that life is under threat. Through some cruel twist of fate, you're facing deportation proceedings that could rip you away from everything and everyone you hold dear.We understand how terrifying that prospect is. The mere idea of being forcibly removed from the United States and taken to a country that may be completely foreign to you is overwhelming. Your mind races with questions: What will happen to my job? My home? My family? My entire way of life? At Spodek Law Group, we've witnessed firsthand the anguish and devastation that the deportation process can unleash. But we've also achieved incredible victories, allowing clients just like you to remain in the communities they cherish.If you're staring down deportation, don't lose hope. Our nationally-recognized NYC deportation defense team is ready to fight tirelessly for your right to stay. We'll pour every ounce of our skill, experience, and determination into protecting your American dream. If you need passionate advocates in your corner, call our office at 212-300-5196 or contact us online. We're available 24/7 to start building your defense.
Why Hire an NYC Deportation Lawyer? The Stakes Are Unimaginably High
Trying to navigate the U.S. immigration system alone is a recipe for disaster, especially when deportation is looming. The consequences of making a mistake or missing a crucial filing deadline are quite literally life-altering.With a permanent residency or citizenship at stake, you need to take your deportation case just as seriously as a criminal prosecution. And just like you would hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to protect your freedom, you need to entrust your immigration matter to a lawyer who specializes in this nuanced, ever-evolving area of law.At Spodek Law Group, deportation defense is one of our key practice areas. Our accomplished NYC deportation attorneys have:- Extensive experience handling all types of deportation cases for clients across New York City's five boroughs
- Comprehensive knowledge of current immigration laws, policies, and court procedures
- Proven track records of successfully defending against removals and securing permanent residency
- Tireless work ethics and passionate commitment to preserving your rights
- Multilingual capabilities to effectively represent our diverse client base
- Accessibility and responsiveness you deserve when your future is on the line
Grounds for Deportation: Even Minor Offenses Can Trigger Removal Proceedings
In an ideal world, only the most serious criminal convictions would place someone's immigration status in jeopardy. But the reality is, even relatively minor offenses can be grounds for deportation under current U.S. laws and policies.Some of the most common grounds for removal that our NYC deportation lawyers frequently encounter include:- Drug crimes (including simple possession of marijuana or other controlled substances)
- Crimes of moral turpitude (such as theft, fraud, or intentional infliction of harm)
- Domestic violence and other crimes involving violence or abuse
- DUI/DWI and other alcohol-related driving offenses
- Firearm violations and other weapons charges
- White collar crimes like embezzlement or money laundering
- Certain immigration violations (illegal entry, overstaying a visa, etc.)
- Providing false information on immigration documents
- Violating terms of probation or supervised release
- Multiple criminal convictions showing a pattern of criminal behavior
Potential Defenses Against Deportation: Crafting a Personalized Strategy
No two deportation cases are exactly alike, which is why our NYC deportation lawyers take a personalized approach tailored to each client's unique circumstances. We'll examine every facet of your immigration history and background to identify the strongest possible defenses. Some of the most common defense strategies we may pursue include:Contesting the Underlying Criminal Conviction In many deportation cases, the removal proceedings stem from a previous criminal conviction. If we can get that conviction vacated or overturned on appeal, it eliminates the grounds for deportation. Applying for Cancellation of Removal Certain green card holders who have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for an extended period may qualify for cancellation of removal if they can demonstrate good moral character and other criteria. Requesting Prosecutorial Discretion Federal prosecutors have discretion in deciding which deportation cases to pursue and which to dismiss. We advocate vigorously for this favorable exercise of discretion when warranted. Seeking Asylum or Other Protected Status Those facing persecution, violence, or other extraordinary circumstances in their home countries may qualify for asylum, refugee status, or relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) or Convention Against Torture. Adjusting Immigration Status Depending on your background and personal circumstances, we may be able to help you adjust your immigration status to avoid deportation (e.g. through employment sponsorship or family petitions). Demonstrating Rehabilitation Even with certain criminal convictions, we can argue for your right to remain by providing evidence of rehabilitation, remorse, and a commitment to leading a law-abiding life going forward. Negotiating Voluntary Departure In cases where other remedies are unavailable, we may negotiate for voluntary departure rather than formal deportation, which carries different implications for future re-entry. Identifying Violations of Your Constitutional Rights If law enforcement or immigration officials violated your rights during the investigation or arrest, we'll fight to have the case dismissed on those grounds.These are just some of the potential strategies our NYC deportation defense team may utilize. The key is having attorneys with the skill and experience to identify the strongest path forward for your unique situation.At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stones unturned in building aggressive, strategic deportation defenses designed to keep you in the United States.Removal Proceedings in NYC: Understanding the Process
If you're facing deportation in the New York City area, your case will likely proceed through the Varick Street Immigration Court. This is just one of over 60 immigration courts nationwide that operate under the jurisdiction of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).The deportation process typically unfolds as follows:- Notice to Appear (NTA): You'll receive an official Notice to Appear document, which specifies the reasons deportation is being sought against you (criminal convictions, visa overstay, etc.). This initiates your case in immigration court.
- Master Calendar Hearing: This is your first appearance before an immigration judge, where you'll be made aware of your rights and the charges against you. Preliminary issues like legal representation are addressed.
- Individual Merits Hearing: The main hearing where you and the government attorneys present evidence and arguments for or against deportation. This may occur over multiple sessions.
- Judge's Decision: After weighing all evidence, the immigration judge will issue a decision to either order your removal from the U.S. or terminate deportation proceedings.
- Appeals Process (if applicable): If you disagree with the judge's ruling, you have a limited window to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Further appeals can potentially reach federal circuit courts.
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