KNUTSON LAW, PLLC
Deportation Defense
Experienced removal defense representation for individuals and families facing deportation — nationwide, with Russian-language service.
If you or someone you love is facing deportation in New York, the decisions made in the next days or weeks can determine everything. As a deportation defense attorney with 13 years of immigration law experience, I represent clients in removal proceedings, bond hearings, appeals, and emergency filings — across the country, in English and Russian.
What Does a Deportation Defense Attorney Do?
Deportation — formally called removal — is a legal process in which the U.S. government seeks to force a person to leave the country. It takes place in immigration court, before an immigration judge. Unlike the criminal court, there is no right to a government-appointed attorney. You must find and hire your own representation.
A deportation defense attorney appears in court on your behalf, challenges the government's case, presents legal defenses, and argues for relief that allows you to remain in the United States. The earlier you have legal representation, the more options are available.
Who We Represent
We work with individuals and families at every stage of the removal process — whether they have just received a Notice to Appear (NTA) or are facing an imminent deportation order.
We represent clients who:
— Received a Notice to Appear (NTA) and need to understand what comes next
— Were denied asylum and are now in removal proceedings
— Have a prior order of removal and want to explore options to reopen or reconsider
— Are detained by ICE and need a bond hearing or emergency filing
— Missed a court date and received an in absentia removal order
— Have a criminal history that triggered immigration consequences
— Are long-term U.S. residents who have built lives here and are fighting to stay.
We also serve clients who were denied asylum and are seeking withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) — forms of protection that can prevent removal even when asylum is unavailable.
Deportation Defense Services We Provide
Removal Proceedings Representation
We represent clients at every stage of immigration court — from the initial Master Calendar Hearing through the final Individual Hearing where the judge decides your case. Thorough preparation, strong documentation, and clear legal arguments are the foundation of effective removal defense.
Motions to Reopen or Reconsider
If your case was already decided — or closed due to a missed hearing — a motion to reopen may allow you to return to court. This is especially relevant when new evidence has emerged, when circumstances have changed significantly (such as a country conditions change), or when prior counsel made a serious error.
Habeas Corpus Petitions (Federal Court)
When someone has been detained for an extended period without a bond hearing — or when immigration court remedies have been exhausted — we can file a habeas corpus petition in federal district court. This is a constitutional challenge to the legality of detention itself, heard by an independent federal judge outside the immigration system.
Bond Hearings
If you or a family member is detained by ICE, we can request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. A successful bond hearing results in release from detention while your case proceeds. We present evidence of ties to the community, family relationships, employment, and lack of criminal history to support release.
Stay of Removal
If a removal order is about to be executed, we can file an emergency motion to stay (pause) the deportation while the case is reviewed. A stay is not automatic — it must be argued and granted by the court or the BIA. Time is critical.
Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
If an immigration judge denied your case, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the BIA. This is a strict deadline — it cannot be extended. We prepare written briefs arguing legal errors in the judge's decision and pursue reversal or remand for a new hearing.
Cancellation of Removal
For individuals who have lived in the United States for 10 or more years, have good moral character, and whose removal would cause exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member — cancellation of removal may be available. This is a discretionary form of relief that requires strong documentation.
Why Timing Matters in Deportation Cases
Immigration law has some of the strictest deadlines in the American legal system. Miss the 30-day window to appeal a judge's decision — and that avenue closes permanently. Fail to file documents before your individual hearing — and the judge may rule with what is in front of them. Wait too long after receiving a Notice to Appear, and your options narrow with every week.
The most common mistake we see is waiting. People wait, hoping the situation will resolve itself. It does not. But most situations that seem hopeless still have options — if the right steps are taken quickly enough.
Why Russian-Speaking Clients Choose Knutson Law
Many of our clients came to us after working with an attorney who did not speak their language — and the communication gap cost them critical information, missed opportunities, or a weakened case. When your case involves your right to remain in this country, precision matters.
— Bilingual representation. Full case communication in Russian and English throughout the process.
— 13 years of law experience, including complex removal cases and federal court filings.
— Nationwide immigration practice. We represent clients across the United States.
— Criminal and immigration overlap. When criminal charges have immigration consequences, we handle both dimensions — criminal defense in New York and immigration nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I stop deportation if I already have a removal order?
A: Yes, in many cases. Options include filing a motion to reopen, appealing to the BIA, or seeking a stay of removal. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
Q: Does getting married to a U.S. citizen automatically stop deportation?
A: No. Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically halt removal proceedings. A separate motion must be filed. We can evaluate whether this path is available in your case.
Q: Can I appeal if the immigration judge denied my case?
A: Yes. You have 30 days from the judge's decision to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing this deadline closes most options.
Q: What happens if I miss my immigration court date?
A: The judge will likely issue an in absentia order of removal. This can often be challenged if you can show you did not receive proper notice or had an exceptional reason for missing the hearing.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for immigration court?
A: You are not entitled to a government-appointed attorney in immigration court. But having legal representation significantly affects outcomes. We are here to help.
Q: Can you represent clients outside New York?
A: Yes. While we are based in New York, we handle immigration cases nationwide. Criminal defense is only in New York.
Speak With a Deportation Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing removal proceedings, a deportation order, or ICE detention — do not wait. Every day matters. We will assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and tell you honestly what can be done.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact us for a consultation specific to your situation.