If a family member has been picked up by ICE, every hour matters. The difference between staying in the U.S. and being deported often comes down to how quickly you get legal help. At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we know how terrifying this moment is, and we’re here to step in, fight for your loved one’s rights, and guide your family through what comes next. As an experienced immigration detention lawyer on Long Island, our firm has helped thousands of individuals and families navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden arrest, a missed court date, or a long-standing removal order, our team is ready to get to work for you right away.
What Happens After an ICE Detention: Â and Why You Can’t Wait
ICE detentions can happen at home, at work, at a traffic stop, or even outside a courthouse. Once someone is taken into custody, the clock starts ticking. Without an attorney, detained individuals can be transferred to facilities far from their families, miss critical court deadlines, or waive rights they didn’t even know they had.
Here’s what typically happens after a detention:
ICE places the individual in a detention center and issues a charging document called a Notice to Appear (NTA)
An immigration judge is assigned to the case
Bond hearings may be available depending on the person’s immigration history and criminal record
Removal proceedings begin: Â sometimes very quickly
The system moves fast. Having a skilled attorney by your side from the very beginning can change the outcome of the entire case. At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we jump in immediately: Â reviewing the case, filing emergency motions if needed, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Our approach as your immigration detention lawyer on Long Island isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about building the strongest possible case for your loved one’s release and long-term protection.
Bond Hearings: We fight to secure the lowest possible bond amount so your family member can be released while their case is being resolved. We present evidence of community ties, employment history, family relationships, and lack of criminal history to show the judge that our client is not a flight risk.
Stays of Removal: If a removal order has already been issued, we can file an I-246 Stay of Removal: Â a formal request to halt deportation while we pursue additional relief. This can buy critical time for families.
Motions to Reopen: If someone was ordered removed without a fair chance to present their case, due to a missed hearing, bad legal advice, or changed circumstances, we can file a Motion to Reopen to get the case back before a judge. This is one of the most powerful tools available, and we know exactly how to use it.
Asylum and Protection Claims: Many detained individuals have strong asylum claims that they were never given a proper opportunity to pursue. As experienced asylum attorneys, we evaluate whether asylum, withholding of removal, or Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection applies and file those claims promptly.
Court Representation and Appeals: We appear in immigration court on behalf of our clients and, when necessary, take cases to the Board of Immigration Appeals or federal circuit courts. Learn more about our court representation and appeals services.
Detention cases rarely exist in isolation. The person in custody often has family members with their own immigration needs, and resolving those matters can directly support the detained person’s case. The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti handles a full range of related immigration services:
We look at the full picture: Â not just the immediate crisis, and build a strategy that protects everyone in your family.
There is no shortage of attorneys out there. But when your family member’s freedom is at stake, you want someone who genuinely cares, knows the law inside and out, and will pick up the phone when you call.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Real Experience With Real Cases: With over 30 years of combined legal experience and more than 2,000 clients helped, we’ve seen nearly every type of immigration situation. We know what works and what doesn’t in immigration court, and we use that knowledge every single day.
We Speak Your Language: We provide legal services in English and Spanish, with interpreters available in over 10 languages. We believe everyone deserves to fully understand their legal situation, in their own language.
Honest Advice From Day One: We won’t tell you what you want to hear. We’ll tell you what you need to know, including the challenges in your case and the realistic options available. Honesty builds trust, and trust builds better outcomes.
We’re Local to Long Island: Our offices in Hauppauge and Coram mean we’re right here in the community we serve. We know the local courts, the local procedures, and the specific challenges immigrants in Suffolk and Nassau Counties face. When you need an immigration detention lawyer on Long Island, we’re right down the road.
Members of AILA: Our attorneys are proud members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, a mark of professional standing and ongoing commitment to immigration law excellence.
If someone you love has just been arrested by ICE, take these steps immediately:
Do not panic, but do act fast
Write down everything: the time, location, and any officers or agencies involved.
Do not sign any documents without speaking to an attorney first
Call us immediately. We handle urgent detention cases and can begin working on your case the same day
You can reach The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti at our Hauppauge office at +1-646-340-8120 or our Coram office at +1-631-320-7949. You can also contact us online to request a free consultation.
Ready to Talk? We’re Here for You: When your family is in crisis, you shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti is here to stand by your side, fight for your loved one’s rights, and give you the honest guidance you need to move forward. As a trusted immigration detention lawyer on Long Island, we bring experience, compassion, and real commitment to every case we take.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re available to speak with you: Â in your language, about your situation, and we’ll give you a clear picture of what your options are.
Hauppauge: +1-646-340-8120Â Coram: +1-631-320-7949Â CristeaTattiLaw@gmail.com
We gathered essential information to help you begin. If you have questions or need additional support, please contact us.
Call an attorney right away: Â before signing anything or agreeing to voluntary departure. At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we take urgent calls and can begin reviewing the case immediately. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have available to help.
Yes, in many cases. There are several legal tools, including an I-246 Stay of Removal, a Motion to Reopen, or an asylum claim, that can halt removal even after a final order has been issued. Each situation is different, so it’s essential to have an attorney review the case quickly to identify which options apply.
An immigration judge sets bond based on factors like the person’s ties to the community, employment history, family relationships, prior immigration history, and any criminal record. Our attorneys prepare thorough bond packages that present our clients in the best possible light to argue for a lower bond or release on recognizance.
This is more common than people realize, and it’s not necessarily the end of the road. We can often file a Motion to Reopen the case if the person did not receive proper notice of the hearing or if exceptional circumstances caused the absence. Time is critical here, so please contact us as soon as possible.
Not automatically. The impact of a criminal record on immigration status depends on the nature of the offense, when it occurred, and the person’s overall immigration history. We provide integrated criminal and immigration defense, evaluating both the criminal and immigration implications, to build the best strategy for our clients. Reach out to learn more about our criminal defense services.
At The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti, we’re committed to providing trusted legal guidance with compassion, integrity, and expertise. Whether you’re seeking help with a family matter, immigration issue, or another legal concern, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Provide your details and legal concerns, and our team will review your case to offer the best possible guidance and support.
The Law Office of Cristea & Tatti offers immigration help & deportation defense in the tri-state area—see our full list of services.
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150 Motor Parkway, Suite 401, Hauppauge, NY 11788
3663 Route 112, Suite 2, Coram, NY 11727
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, and the content on this site may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific situation before making any legal decisions. Viewing this website or contacting our firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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