Frequently Asked Questions

This is an exciting time! If your petition is approved, it is possible that you might have to leave the country to go through “consular processing” before accessing legal permanent residence. This usually is necessary if you entered the United States without proper inspection.

It can be very scary to leave and report to an interview with the U.S. Consulate in your home country. Proper legal representation is the only way to ensure you’ll be admitted into to the United States: an error in your application, criminal record or unexpected issue during your interview could turn into a denial. A good lawyer will never let a client leave for their interview until they are completely confident they will return.

This is common, especially if you moved from where you used to live. If you did not change your address with immigration, you might have missed that letter and your court date!

To find out what is happening with your case, find your Alien Number and call the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) hotline at 1-800-898-7180.

We get this a lot. No need to panic: if the Green Card was still valid, you simply need to file form I-90 with USCIS.

Follow this link- you can even fill the form and pay online: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/replace-green-card

In most cases, a Judge will determine an amount of money that is required for the release of the Accused. This is determined based on the facts of the case, the person’s criminal history, and other factors. See “What are the Bond Factors that a Judge considers most?”. Upon payment of the set bond to the jail, the person will be released on conditions with the primary condition being the promise to return to court for all remaining court dates. So long as all conditions are met, the bond amount paid will be returned (minus a nominal fee to the jail) upon the end of the case.

Bonds are set in amounts that are routinely too high to pay in full. Bonding companies are in business to make a profit by charging a fee to the client in exchange for the bonding company to pay the full amount of the bond to the jail. Usually the bonding company will charge 12-15% of the overall bond. This fee will not be returned upon the case determination. For example, if the Accused’s bond is $10,000 the bonding company will charge you between $1200-$1500 in exchange for them to pay the $10,000 bond directly to the jail. There are policies set by each bonding company, and every company is different. They are in competition with one another, as in any business, and it may be best to shop around the fees and required policies. See an example of a bail bond company’s policies.

Disclaimer: An attorney is not allowed, by Georgia law and ethics, to provide any financial assistance or take on any liability involving the bond of a client.

Definitions

Signature Bond (“SOB”): also sometimes called “release on recognizance,” this bond allows the person to sign themselves out of jail without paying a bond amount with the promise that if he misses court he is responsible to pay the full bond amount.

Straight Bond: means the straight value of the bond amount can be paid using a bonding company or directly to the jail. Property may also be allowed, but varies on jurisdiction.

Cash Bond: means that the bond must be paid in cash directly to the jail and no bonding company assistance is allowed.

Property Bond: a property deed must be submitted as collateral with a certain amount proven in equity (varies on jurisdiction).

Split bond: a portion of the bond may be paid with property and a portion with cash (varies on jurisdiction).

10% bond: 10% of the bond may be paid directly to the jail for return upon completion of case in lieu of fee to bonding company (varies on jurisdiction).

The trial court may release a person on bail if the court finds the person:

1. Poses no significant risk of fleeing from the jurisdiction of the court or failing to appear in court when required;
2. Poses no significant threat or danger to any person, to the community, or to any property in the community;
3. Poses no significant risk of committing any felony pending trial; and
4. Poses no significant risk of intimidating witnesses or otherwise obstructing the administration of justice.

OCGA § 17-6-1 (e). The trial court must explain its reasons for denying bond to assist review on appeal.

At the beginning of the criminal process, probable cause is first required before police may search a person or a person’s property, and probable cause must exist before they may arrest a person. Second, in most criminal cases the court must find that probable cause exists to believe that the defendant committed the crime before the Accused may be prosecuted or kept in custody pending prosecution.

The requirement of probable cause for Search and Seizure can be found in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states:

the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be searched.

For continued prosecution after search, seizure and arrest, the prosecuting agency must prove to the court the continuing existence of probable cause in order to continue holding a person in custody, restricting their freedom and liberty, before the person has ever been convicted of that crime. This is is usually the requirement for First Appearance and Preliminary or Probable Cause Hearings. See “What is a First Appearance Hearing?”

At this First Appearance hearing, the Judge will inform the person of his/her charges. The Judge will make sure that the person has a lawyer to represent them through private or appointed counsel. Then the Judge will make a determination on bond. See “What is Bond or Bail?”

This is a very quick hearing without any discussion of guilt or innocence. There is not an opportunity for the accused person to speak with the court (unless through an attorney). The only consideration for the Judge at this First Appearance hearing is whether there is probable cause and bond.

The remedy to challenge a violation of the Riverside requirements is through a timely petition of habeas corpus. See Habeas Corpus.

If you know you have an arrest warrant, you have the opportunity to get your affairs together and hire a lawyer. A lawyer can look into the charges, talk with the investigating officer, and sometimes even arrange for a bond. The time you turn yourself in can also affect how soon you see a Judge and ultimately get out of jail.

After you get through this process and get out of jail, you and your lawyer are one step closer to finding the proper resolution this undeniably bad situation. You can do it.

This officer may be trying to locate you for arrest or to discuss a pending investigation against you. During this attempted contact, anything and everything that you say (and your conduct) will become a part of the investigation and will almost always be used against you. Alternatively, law enforcement may believe that you are a witness to a crime under investigation. Still, many times a witness can quickly turn into a suspect.

There may be times where speaking with the investigating officer is helpful. However, under every circumstance it is critical to consult an attorney prior to talking with the officer. Once a statement is made or an action is taken it cannot be undone. Planning a course of action to get ahead of the situation is always better than being dragged behind it wishing you could turn back the clock.

At the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor will call a witness who is usually the arresting officer. Hearsay is allowed. The defense lawyer will cross-examine the witness and obtain valuable information about the case. The Accused can put up evidence but it is not advised in the typical case at such an early stage. At the close of the preliminary hearing, the judge will determine whether there is probable cause for each element of every charge alleged. In most cases, this is the final stage where the judge has discretion to dismiss a charge for lack of evidence with the help of skilled argument and representation.

Generally speaking, the grand jury hears a very basic recollection of the evidence from the state’s perspective. The district attorney chooses to present which witness testifies usually being the arresting officer. Defendants nor their lawyers are permitted to attend; therefore, the grand jury hears only a one-sided presentation almost always returns a “true bill” of indictment. If a true bill is issued, the Accused is formally indicted and charged with the crime. If the grand jury feels there is not enough evidence (or probable cause) to charge the Accused, it will issue a “no bill.” The person will then be released and the charges dropped. (Unfortunately, this rarely occurs).

Certain cases involving less severe felonies like shoplifting, credit card transaction fraud, forgery, and entering an auto, are not presented to a grand jury for indictment. In these cases, the district attorney may proceed on an “accusation” by filing a written document with the court that allows the case to go forward.

Upon indictment, the Accused no longer has the ability to request a preliminary hearing before the judge to decide the issue of probable cause. In many jurisdictions, the district attorney knows that indictment is a surer way to secure formal charges, and many will circumvent the judge by convening a jury before the Accused is scheduled for preliminary hearing.

If the Accused is not indicted, or otherwise formally charged, within 90 days of arrest, he/she is entitled to a reduction in bond or release from custody.

Judges will sometimes set deadlines for the filing of motions and other legal arguments. Trial dates will also sometimes be predetermined.