Immigration Court Lawyer Fairfax County, VA
If you or a family member has received a Notice to Appear (NTA) placing you in removal proceedings, the stakes could not be higher. For residents of Fairfax County, Virginia, immigration court hearings are generally held at the Arlington Immigration Court (EOIR), located at 1901 South Bell Street in Arlington—just minutes from most Fairfax communities. The immigration judge overseeing your case has the authority to grant relief such as cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status, or to order removal from the United States. Having an experienced immigration court lawyer at your side throughout this process is essential. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. concentrates part of its multi-state practice on representing individuals before the immigration courts. To discuss your situation with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, call (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Immigration Court Means in Fairfax County, Virginia
Immigration court is not a single courthouse but a network of hearing locations operated by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice. For residents of Fairfax County and the surrounding Northern Virginia region, removal (deportation) proceedings are most frequently conducted at the Arlington Immigration Court, though some matters may also be docketed at the Annandale Immigration Court or the Sterling Immigration Court, depending on docket assignments. These courts handle cases in which the Department of Homeland Security alleges that a noncitizen is removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The individual appearing before the immigration judge is the respondent, and the government is represented by an ICE trial attorney. Unlike criminal court, respondents in immigration court are not entitled to government-appointed counsel; they must secure their own legal representation.
Fairfax County’s diverse international population means many of its residents interact with the immigration court system each year—whether through affirmative applications that later become defensive proceedings, or directly through the issuance of an NTA. Local immigration attorneys who appear regularly before the Arlington and Annandale benches are familiar with the procedural expectations of those courts, the typical posture of ICE trial attorneys assigned to the region, and the specific documentation standards that judges in the Virginia area require. Mr. Sris, as lead attorney on immigration matters for the firm, appears in these courts and works with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to develop a strategy tailored to each client’s particular circumstances.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Immigration Court Cases
Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach every immigration court case by first conducting a careful review of the charging document—the Notice to Appear—along with the respondent’s entire immigration and criminal history. Even a minor past conviction can trigger severe immigration consequences under the grounds of inadmissibility or deportability set out in the Immigration and Nationality Act. The firm’s analysis includes an assessment of potential relief: cancellation of removal for lawful permanent residents or nonpermanent residents, asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, adjustment of status, or voluntary departure. Once the viable forms of relief are identified, the team works to gather supporting evidence, prepare the respondent for testimony, and present the legal and factual arguments before the immigration judge.
Because Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Practices across multiple states, the firm is accustomed to coordinating with family members, employers, or other witnesses who may be located outside Virginia. The firm also evaluates whether a case may be appropriate for an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals or a petition for review in the federal circuit court if the immigration judge’s decision is adverse. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys keep clients informed of court dates, filing deadlines, and developments, and advise on the immigration consequences of any parallel criminal or family court proceedings that may be underway in Fairfax County or elsewhere.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., which has been serving clients since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His extensive experience includes representing noncitizens in removal proceedings before the Arlington, Annandale, and Sterling immigration courts, as well as affirmative applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to immigration matters, and they have documented case results across all practice areas. Results may vary. In any future matter.
Supporting Mr. Sris on immigration cases are the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, who are independent practitioners contracting directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include individuals with backgrounds that strengthen the firm’s ability to handle complex immigration matters—such as former law enforcement experience that provides insight into the intersection of criminal and immigration law. Collectively, the firm works to prepare thorough applications, challenge government evidence where appropriate, and advocate for favorable outcomes before the immigration judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an immigration court lawyer, and when do I need one?
An immigration court lawyer represents individuals who are in removal (deportation) proceedings before an immigration judge. You need one as soon as you receive a Notice to Appear from the Department of Homeland Security, or if you have any pending criminal charges or past convictions that could affect your immigration status. An experienced lawyer can identify forms of relief you may qualify for, gather supporting evidence, prepare you for testimony, and appear with you at all master calendar and individual hearings. Because the government is represented by an ICE trial attorney, proceeding without your own counsel places you at a significant disadvantage. To discuss your case with Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, call (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Fairfax County?
Receiving an NTA means the government is initiating removal proceedings against you, and you will be required to appear before an immigration judge at the Arlington Immigration Court or another local EOIR hearing location. The NTA will list the factual allegations and statutory charges the government is asserting. You should immediately contact an immigration court lawyer to review the document and begin preparing your defense. Your first hearing is typically a master calendar hearing where you will admit or deny the charges and state the form of relief you are seeking. Missing this hearing can result in an in absentia removal order. The firm helps clients respond to NTAs and navigates the procedural requirements so deadlines are met.
How long does a removal (deportation) case take in Virginia?
The timeline for a removal case varies widely based on the complexity of the issues, the type of relief sought, and the immigration court’s docket. Cases involving asylum or cancellation of removal can take significantly longer than those where voluntary departure is pursued. The Arlington Immigration Court, like many EOIR courts nationwide, has a substantial backlog, and it is not uncommon for a contested case to last several years from the initial master calendar hearing to a final decision. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to keep matters moving while building the strongest possible record. Results may vary.
Can an immigration court lawyer help me avoid deportation?
Yes, an immigration court lawyer can present legal arguments and evidence that may persuade the immigration judge to grant relief from removal, such as cancellation of removal, asylum, withholding of removal, or adjustment of status. While past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, having counsel who understands the governing statutes—including the Immigration and Nationality Act, the regulations of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and relevant federal case law—can make a critical difference. The firm’s attorneys examine the specific facts of each client’s case to determine which forms of relief are available and build the strong case possible under the circumstances. Results may vary.
How much does it cost to hire an immigration court lawyer in Fairfax County?
Fees for immigration court representation vary depending on the complexity of the case, the type of relief sought, and the anticipated duration of proceedings. Some clients may pay a flat fee for certain services, while others may be billed on an hourly basis. Government filing fees also apply for many applications; for example, the current fee for an I-485 application for adjustment of status is $1,440, and the fee for a family petition (I-130) is $675, plus a biometrics fee of $85. Fee waivers may be available for income-eligible applicants. To get an estimate tailored to your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a consultation.
Where are immigration court hearings held for Fairfax County residents?
Most Fairfax County residents with pending removal proceedings appear at the Arlington Immigration Court (EOIR), located at 1901 South Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202. Depending on docket assignments, some cases may be heard at the Annandale Immigration Court (7619 Little River Turnpike, Suite 400, Annandale, VA 22003) or the Sterling Immigration Court (21400 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 200, Sterling, VA 20166). Affirmative applications such as green cards and naturalizations are handled by the USCIS Washington Field Office at 2675 Prosperity Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031. The firm’s Fairfax Location at 4008 Williamsburg Court is conveniently situated to serve clients appearing at any of these venues. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
Immigration Lawyer Resources in Northern Virginia: Immigration Lawyer Prince William County, VA • Immigration Lawyer Stafford County, VA • Immigration Lawyer Fauquier County, VA • Immigration Lawyer Arlington County, VA
Virginia Legal Resources: Virginia’s Judicial System • Virginia Code (LIS)
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.