Appeals & Post Conviction Relief for Non-U.S. Citizens

Were you convicted of a crime? Are you sure?

Post Conviction

Many people do not realize that they have a conviction on their record for immigration purposes. Sometimes even dismissed charges are considered convictions under federal immigration law. Here’s the federal definition of conviction: “a formal judgment of guilt of the alien entered by the court” or, “if adjudication of guilt has been withheld, where…a judge has found the alien guilty, or the alien has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or has admitted sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt, and…the judge has ordered some form of punishment, penalty, or restraint on the alien’s liberty to be imposed.” INA § 101(a)(48)(A), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(A).

Before you end up at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an interview, or in Immigration Court for deportation proceedings, make sure a CrImmigration lawyer does a thorough review.

If your criminal case is over, and it resulted in a conviction (any admission of guilt), STERN Law knows how to best help you avoid deportation or denial of immigration benefits.

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Ready to join STERN Law?

WARNING: Before you file any immigration application, you must first understand if the conviction will make you either removable/deportable from the U.S. or inadmissible to the U.S. upon attempted re-entry . If so, your application could trigger removal/deportation proceedings. It is important that your immigration attorney also understands criminal law in order to counsel you on your best options and the effects of the criminal conviction.

We Challenge Convictions or Unlawful Detention

Here are some useful resources:

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Uniform Juvenile Court Rules

Carolina Goyeneche Gomez, Outreach & Marketing Specialist

Carolina G. is a professional who applies her knowledge and expertise to develop marketing and outreach strategies in support of STERN Law's mission to help immigrants succeed to create a better life.

This work is essential for Carolina. Supporting minorities and standing up for what is right is a significant part of her life. Only recently emigrating from Colombia, Carolina has over ten years of experience and a Bachelor's degree in Advertising. She launched several campaigns in the US and Colombia, and as a result, increased sales, opened new markets, and improved customer communications.

Carolina creates new opportunities for STERN Law by connecting the firm to those who need help most through marketing and communication strategies based on a "client-first" approach. She ensures that non-citizens have access to valuable information and is committed to growing the excellent relationships STERN Law has with the communities it serves.

When Carolina is not working, she likes running, hiking, and enjoying food and music with family and friends.

Pamela Gonzalez, Intake Specialist

Pamela was born in Colombia and raised both in Italy and Atlanta. She understands the challenges many can face as they rebuild better lives for themselves and their families in a new country. She is committed to providing compassionate support to every client who seeks the American Dream.

Pamela has shown a real passion for helping the disadvantaged and rooting for the underdog. She studied Political Science at Georgia State University to better understand how governments implement laws, their effect on the people they govern and how to bring about lasting positive change. She served Georgia’s leading civil rights fair housing for several years fighting housing discrimination and advocating for better treatment of all people, specifically in the Latino community and other underprivileged segments of society.

Pamela also enjoys spending as much time as possible in nature with her dog Mina, exploring new places and countries and going to the drive-in theater.

Carolina Melguizo, Director of 1st Impressions

Carolina M. was born in Medellin, Colombia. She graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in History and another in Political Science. She also has a paralegal certificate from the University of Georgia. Carolina has over 12 years of customer service experience and is passionate about helping people and the community. Her commitment to embody STERN Law’s mission stems from a personal struggle as an immigrant and the desire to assist others in achieving the American Dream.

Carolina is the first person to connect with our clients, colleagues and community members - either when they call us on the phone or walk through our doors. She connects them to the answers they need and makes sure they are headed on the right path. She also supports day-to-day office management to make sure our A-team has everything it needs to succeed.

She loves reading, hiking, salsa dancing and playing video games.

Ben Butera, Chief Operations Officer

Ben Butera joins Stern Law as COO after nearly 15 years working in the energy and utilities infrastructure industry. While Ben's personal focus has always been client-centric, his experience and responsibility has been equally split between business operations, strategic planning/growth enablement and technology development, giving him a diverse set of experiences to draw on to help contribute to the success of the Firm's clients.

Ben believes in the Firm's mission, and sees the application of new technology and innovative approaches to improving the client experience as an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our clients.

When not at STERN Law, Ben enjoys playing the piano, cooking and reading about economics and history.

Laura Cameron – Firm Administrator

Laura Cameron is a Georgia native who brings 20 years of firm administration experience - managing all aspects of day-to-day operations, administration and policy implementation at the human-to-human level. The motivating factor for Laura is helping provide staff with the tools and resources needed to excel in their individual roles and guide the success and objectives of the firm team.

As part of a proud military family, Laura knows firsthand the responsibility and sacrifice given for the bounty of having and enjoying all facets of the “American Dream.” She firmly believes those ideals shine brightest when others are provided the opportunity to share in that bounty and knows the core values that drive and guide STERN Law exemplify these values.

Some of her responsibilities include directing all support services, overseeing the firm’s human resources, finance, payroll, vendor, technology, facilities management, personnel and benefits. Laura credits her degrees in accounting and business administration for providing a solid foundation that continues to guide her success in the administrator role.

Laura’s off the job interests include volunteering in her community, spending time with her wonderful husband, enjoying the simple pleasures or pursing their like interests; Cooking and experimenting in the kitchen with her culinary student youngest son; learning the fine art of photography or the latest technology wonders with her oldest son, who will soon be married, adding a much needed daughter to the family mix.

Appeals & Post Conviction Relief for Non-U.S. Citizens

Post Conviction

Ready to join STERN Law?

Georgia Supreme Court

Georgia Court of Appeals

Uniform Superior Court Rules

Uniform State Court Rules

Uniform Magistrate Court Rules

Uniform Municipal Court Rules