Immigration Lawyer Santa Monica, CA

Immigration Lawyer in Santa Monica, CA. Your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer should be someone you can trust with your life – because, in reality, this is a life-changing event. Whether you're trying to reunite with a family member, preparing for a citizenship application, petitioning for a fiancé, spouse, or family member, or defending against deportation, expert legal help will maximize your chances of a positive outcome.

Get experienced help, no matter what immigration situation you're going through. Don't settle for less than an experienced team of attorneys who will treat you properly and advocate for you. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, Inc.

Our offices can assist with all the most common immigration matters, and are ready to talk to you. Call us anytime at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a free case review.

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Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Monica, CA

Working with an immigration lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, is not required by law, but it can have a significant impact on your case. Your immigration attorney will stop you from making common errors and give you time back to focus on the rest of your life, while they manage your case.

With diverse political ideologies in the United States, there are frequent updates and changes to immigration law. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it's essential to have an expert who can explain the current situation to you.

Additionally, if you're facing deportation, your attorney will help you explore avenues to keep you in the country.

What Challenges Do Immigrants Face in Santa Monica, CA?

Getting into the United States requires immigrants to overcome several legal challenges. And afterward, it can be nearly as difficult to apply for citizenship. For a variety of reasons, thousands of green card applications are rejected each year.

On your own, you'll be trying to overcome:

Variable eligibility requirements
Complex forms and required documents
Barriers to healthcare access
Conflicting national and state laws
A backlog of immigration cases on the docket

Working with your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer puts you in a positive position and maximizes your chances of a successful outcome.

How an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Monica, CA Can Help You Get Into the United States

United States immigration law can be unclear and confusing. Cases aren't as simple as crossing the border or filling out some simple paperwork. Fortunately, you can have someone at your side to help: From the moment you first enter the country to filling out your citizenship application, your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer can offer you support.

Your journey begins when you first apply for entry to the United States. There are many paths to enter the U.S., but three paths that often benefit from legal assistance are through asylum, family hardship, or commercial investment.

Asylum

An asylum immigration lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, helps people who are not safe in their home country immigrate to the United States. If you have faced threats or violence because of your race, political opinion, religion, or other protected characteristic, we can help you find protection through asylum. After enough time has passed, you'll be able to apply for lawful permanent resident status.

EB5 Visa Program (Commercial Investment)

The EB5 Visa Program provides a path for foreign business owners and/or investors to enter the United States, through the creation of a new business in the U.S. In order to qualify, the business must come from an investment of at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 if in a Targeted Employment Area) and create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

Waivers 601 & 601(a) (Family Hardship)

Waivers 601 and 601(a) exist to waive certain entry requirements for qualifying individuals. Specifically, they are designed to help if you have a qualifying relative who is suffering from harsh circumstances and extreme hardship.

Waiver 601 applies to people who were told they do not qualify to immigrate to the U.S. because of factors like health conditions, criminal record, and prior immigration fraud. It is typically filed from outside the U.S. Waiver 601(a), on the other hand, is specifically for people who are already in the United States unlawfully and are facing deportation. An experienced immigration attorney will help you present a case that shows your qualifying hardship and maximizes your chances of getting into, or staying in, the U.S.

Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen With Help From an Immigration Attorney in Santa Monica, CA

Your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer can help with more than just entry to the United States. Applying for lawful permanent resident status or citizenship is a major goal for many American immigrants. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is dedicated to helping Santa Monica residents reach their immigration goals, whatever they are.

Adjustment of Status/Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card)

Applying for Adjustment of Status is a big deal for many American immigrants. When granted, you become a lawful permanent resident (AKA a Green Card holder). The requirements vary depending on your circumstances – for example, if you are are a religious worker, you must be entering the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization. A local immigration attorney can help you determine which path is best for your circumstances.

Citizenship Applications

After moving to the United States, many immigrants want to become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, this can be a barrier for many, due to the many steps, fees, and complicated document requirements involved. A U.S. citizenship lawyer can help understand the procedure and protect you from mistakes on your application.

Before you can apply, you need to fulfill the following three requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
Be of good moral character

In addition, you must fall into one of the following four categories:

Be a lawful permanent resident for five years
Be married to a U.S. citizen and while being a Green Card holder for three years
Be a current or former member of the U.S. armed forces
Be a child of a U.S. citizen
1. For children of U.S. citizens, you don't need to be over 18, and the English language requirements may be scaled down.

Contact us today to get help with your U.S. citizenship application. We are here to help you no matter where you are in the process.

How Your Immigration Lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, Can Fight Against Deportation

If you're facing a deportation order, it's natural to be scared and upset. While challenging and intimidating, you can fight back. By filing a cancellation of removal, you can force the state to fight you in court, where we can defend you. And if you are given a negative ruling, we can file a motion to reopen/reconsider.

Cancellation of Removal 42(b) or 42(a)

If you're facing removal (or deportation) proceedings, don't wait and let the proceedings pass by without a fight. Your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer can file a cancellation of removal 42(b) or 42(a) procedure to let you stay in the country and grant (or preserve) lawful permanent resident status.

42(b) applies to immigrants who currently are in the United States but do not have a Green Card. Unfortunately, the United States government puts a cap on how many 42(b) allowances can be granted each year, and many people apply for them. For this procedure, you must meet the following requirements:

Live in the U.S. for 10 years, without major breaks
Possess good moral character
No disqualifying criminal convictions on your record
Removal would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying family member

42(a) is similar, but instead applies to people who already have lawful permanent residence status. additionally, there are unlimited 42(a) slots available, making it a less competitive process. 42(a) applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

Green card for at least 5 years
United States resident for at least 7 continuous years
No aggravated felony convictions on your record

Motion to Reopen/Motion to Reconsider

If you're still facing removal after a 42(a) or 42(b) application, this isn't your final option. Your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer can file a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider, which can give you another chance to stay in the U.S. A motion to reopen is applicable if you have found new evidence that could persuade a judge to keep you in the United States. Meanwhile, a motion to reconsider can be filed if the previous judgement was legally incorrect, or if the the law has been updated. By acting fast, you don't have to give up and accept the negative result.

Special Circumstances: How Your Immigration Attorney Can Help

There are times when the normal process for immigration doesn't apply. In particular, people who are crime victims can take advantage of U.S. policies that aid in immigration. The Law Offices of David S. Chesley can help applicants with any of the below procedures:

Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS)

The United States offers Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJS) to protect children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. We will advocate for you and present your case in court.

To qualify, you must:

Be in the United States
Be unmarried
Be under 21
Have an applicable juvenile court order
Receive permission from the Department of Homeland Security
Receive permission from the Department of Health and Human Services, if applicable

Getting a chance to stay in the U.S. can be life-changing for some people.

T Visas

A T Visa effectively gives someone lawful resident status in the United States for up to 4 years, if they were a victim of human trafficking. The T Visa also provides a pathway for many immigrants to apply for a Green Card at the end of this time period.

To qualify for a T Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Be a victim of severe human trafficking
Currently live in the United States
Help the police investigate the trafficking operation
Be subject to extreme hardship if you were removed from the U.S.
Meet regular admission requirements

U Visas

A U Visa works similarly to a T Visa, but is designed for a much wider type of crimes. People who have suffered abuse (where the United States has jurisdiction) can apply for a U Visa. If you are filing a U Visa, you should look for an immigration lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, who can also help you file a criminal protective order.

Below are the U Visa eligibility requirements:

You must be a victim of a qualifying crime
You must have suffered abuse in the process
You provide information that helps the law enforcement investigation
The crime broke U.S. law
You must meet typical admission requirements

What You Need in an Immigration Lawyer in Santa Monica, CA

There's a lot to consider when deciding on the right Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer for your case. Here are the essential qualities you should look for when picking someone to work with:

Experience with similar cases
Knowledge of the relevant laws
A reputation for providing high-quality service
Bilingual communication skills
Sympathy for your situation
Respect for your heritage

Your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer from our firm is someone who is ready to handle your case. We offer Spanish bilingual support and create a unique plan that is designed for you. If you need help with an immigration problem in Santa Monica, talk to one of our attorneys now at (800) 755-5174.

Santa Monica, CA, Immigrant Criminal Defense Lawyer

For many people, it's not enough to work with an attorney who only focuses on immigration law. If you're up against criminal charges, you could be facing major immigration consequences after a conviction. Your immigration lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, should also be ready to fight against criminal accusations.

A criminal defense lawyer from our firm is isn't going to settle for a 'good enough' outcome – instead, they'll fight for the best deal possible for your situation. Our experienced attorneys can help Santa Monica immigrants defend themselves against the following criminal accusations:

Whatever crime accusation you're facing, and whatever your immigration background is, we want to be on your side.

Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants in Santa Monica, CA

If you're convicted of a crime, that doesn't have to be the end of your case. Your Santa Monica, CA, immigration lawyer can also help you with post-conviction relief. The specifics can depend on your case, but our attorneys help clients appeal decisions, file motions to vacate previous convictions, and more. When you act fast, you can defend yourself against far-reaching immigration consequences.

Work With an Experienced Santa Monica, CA, Immigration Lawyer

Immigrants in Santa Monica have worked hard to build their lives, and deserve high-quality legal assistance. Whether you need help fighting a deportation order, applying for a work visa, appealing a court decision, or any related services, our attorneys have the experience and expertise needed to guide you.

We also aid with the following legal services in Santa Monica, CA:

Speak with an immigration lawyer in Santa Monica, CA, now by calling us at (800) 755-5174 or send us a message online. Whatever challenge you're facing, you can call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.

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Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
Orange County(714) 442-2601
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
San Bernardino County / Riverside County(909) 748-5272
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
Kern / Santa Barbara(661) 473-0422
Northern California(530) 427-4167

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Areas We Serve

Los Angeles County(213) 341-4427
Orange County(714) 442-2601
San Diego County(619) 752-2235
Ventura County(805) 248-7408
San Bernardino County(909) 748-5272
Riverside County(951) 329-9499
Alameda / San Joaquin(510) 403-8809
Santa Barbara(805) 791-2162
Sacramento / Sonoma(916) 248-4717
South L.A. / Long Beach(562) 786-8383
City of L.A. / East L.A.(310) 882-6466
Fresno / Santa Clara(559) 365-7055
San Fernando Valley(818) 614-9567
OC Coastal Cities(949) 891-0102
Bakersfield / Kern(661) 473-0422
San Francisco(510) 403-8809

Recent Results

Our client faced multiple serious charges in Los Angeles County, including Penal Code § 211 (Robbery), § 245(a)(1) (Assault with a Deadly Weapon), and § 245(a)(4) (Assault with Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury). Unlike a co-defendant represented by another firm who pled to a felony conviction with a "strike," our legal team pursued a different strategy. Through the submission of a comprehensive mitigation package to the District Attorney, we successfully negotiated a complete dismissal of all charges.
Our client faced serious charges under Penal Code section 211 for alleged felony robbery involving force and fear in Riverside County (Murrieta Court) . The prosecution argued that probation was not appropriate due to our client’s prior felony convictions in San Bernardino County, including a previous robbery in April 2021 and grand theft in November 2019. Despite the severity of these allegations, our legal team successfully demonstrated insufficient evidence during the preliminary hearing. As a result, all charges were dismissed. This outcome allowed our client to move forward without the burden of a new conviction.
Multiple defendants each facing 7 years charged with smuggling prescription drugs into California from Mexico. Our client was the only defendant who received NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 5 years for possession of deadly weapon we negotiated a plea for NO JAIL TIME!
Client facing 3 life terms for multiple felony counts of Child Molestation and Sodomy with child we proved the charges were fabricated by victim's mother DISMISSAL of all charges at preliminary hearing!
Strike case: Client charged with possession of methamphetamine facing 25 years we filed a Romero Motion which was granted case REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR!
Client's estranged girlfriend alleged Client broke into her room and choked her facing 14 years in State Prison we won at trial JURY ACQUITTAL.
Police allegedly discovered 3 bags of marijuana in client's glove box faced 6 years we filed a 1538.5 motion to suppress resulting in DISMISSAL of all charges!

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What our clients say Client Testimonials

I am truly pleased with my experience with the Law Offices of David S Chesley. They answered all my questions and provided me with great advice and legal services. My case was resolved quickly. Thank you! Rodrigo L.

I left court yesterday with my last case being wrapped up. Two court appearances and that’s it. He represented me in a couple of different cases and was impressive to say the least. Always a phone call or text message away. Confident and aggressive when he needed to be. Calming and thorough when meeting with me. Attorney Chesley did exactly what he said he would, and I got the results I needed. He seemed to know all the right people at the Temple Street courthouse. You can always get in contact with him quickly, and he is a great lawyer. I highly recommend his legal services. Ricardo Esteves

My brother was given a very caring attorney that was assigned to his case, and we had very helpful case managers throughout the process. I strongly recommend David Chesley to anyone who is in trouble. I called in to get help on my brother’s case, and right away, I liked their service. My brother’s charges were eventually dismissed after the attorney got him into a program, now he can go on without the trouble of having anything on his record Erica Geller

I retained Mr. Chesley and his firm, and from the beginning, they were extremely professional both in communicating the status of my case to me, explaining the situation as a whole, and just downright taking care of business. It was money well spent for a job well done. Thanks again to David and Melissa, and others that worked on my case. I recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal representation. Don’t just accept things the courts force on you; call this firm and protect yourself. Elizabeth F.

I contacted Mr. Chesley and his firm because some unfortunate events had left me in a jam. Detectives were demanding I testify or be prosecuted for a crime I didn’t commit. (I wasn’t involved or even at the scene of the alleged crime when it supposedly took place.) Mr. Chesley explained to me that he had been through similar situations with his clients before and understood exactly what was going on. His response to what took place was nothing short of amazing. No matter how small my concern, Mr. Chesley addressed it in a timely manner. He advocated for what is right and empathized with me in dealing with the Court system. After meeting with the supervising D.A. and providing alibi evidence, he was able to get me out of the situation. I’m very grateful to have found him. Leon Hanley

I hired David Chesley for my criminal defense in 2012. He was recommended to us for his successful results and his low fees. David is very smart, and his professional legal advice was honest & much appreciated during these stressful times. David’s knowledge, advice, and communication about what we were to expect was reassuring and beneficial to me. He charged me a reasonable flat rate and didn’t charge me any surprise fees. In my case, David Chesley was able to negotiate with the prosecution attorney for the best result I could hope for. He had success at getting my criminal charges dismissed with the judge’s approval. You will not be disappointed if you hire The Law Offices of David S. Chesley. Britanny Givens

David is very professional, yet very casual. Although it is typically not easy to speak straight up with an attorney, he is very easy to talk to. He replied to my questions quickly and was available all hours. Not only did he get my case resolved with a dismissal, he went above and beyond and got me an expungement without me even requesting it. He never beats around the bush and tells you like it is. At the same time is willing to work overtime to get the results you request. I would use David’s services again in the future. Andrew A.

Very satisfied being a client with the Law Offices of David Chesley. Negin represented both my husband and I and got both our cases dismissed. Negin was on top of our cases, she really cares and did everything she said she would do!!! Thanks a lot Negin! Rita K.

I don’t write many reviews; however, this time I had to share my admiration and appreciation for this firm. Attorney Negin Akhavan is definitely a person you want representing you in any criminal legal battle. She is the clear definition of the phrase “it’s not what you know, but who you know.” She is not only knowledgeable, she also has the relationships with the right people. I couldn’t be happier with the results she was able to provide.Thank you Negin. Gabriel V.

An old felony charge came up, so I hired David and his team in June, and he got me a release on my own recognizance on a felony charge in July, which has never happened to me, and got it dismissed in October. He was responsive when I called and always kept me updated. Got my case dismissed, was easy to work with, and handled everything for me. He did an excellent job. I highly recommend David Chesley for any criminal defense. Jason Corona

They really helped me out in a timely manner. I had a drug charge from 16 years ago, and they dealt with it quickly. I can’t recommend them enough. If you have a criminal charge, check them out; they are awesome. Santiago L.