The Best Immigration Attorneys in Richlands, Virginia
Top 3 immigration attorneys in Richlands, Virginia. Rated 4.8/5 stars based on our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system.
Top Immigration Attorneys
Ranked by our comprehensive legal expertise evaluation system
R. Shawn May
May & May, PC
R. Shawn May is a highly respected immigration attorney based directly in Richlands with over two decades of experience. His firm specializes exclusively in immigration law and serves clients throughout Southwest Virginia. With exceptional client satisfaction ratings and extensive expertise in complex immigration cases, May has built a strong reputation for successful family-based petitions, employment visas, and deportation defense. He maintains excellent standing with the Virginia State Bar and is known for personalized attention to clients in the Richlands community and surrounding areas.
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Lisa A. Gontarek
Gontarek & Associates, PC
Lisa Gontarek operates a highly-rated immigration practice in nearby Abingdon, serving clients throughout Southwest Virginia including Richlands. With nearly two decades of immigration law experience, she has developed particular expertise in family-based immigration, citizenship applications, and humanitarian cases including asylum and VAWA petitions. Clients consistently praise her thorough case preparation and successful outcomes in complex immigration matters. Her firm maintains a strong track record with USCIS and immigration courts, making her one of the most sought-after immigration attorneys in the region.
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James J. O'Brien
O'Brien Law Group, PLC
James O'Brien leads a well-established immigration practice in Roanoke that serves clients throughout Virginia, including the Richlands area. With 15 years of dedicated immigration law experience, he has developed comprehensive expertise in both business immigration and family-based cases. His firm is particularly noted for successful employment visa petitions and complex deportation defense cases. O'Brien maintains excellent bar standing and has built a reputation for strategic case management and high approval rates across various immigration categories, making him a top regional choice for comprehensive immigration legal services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law services in Richlands, Virginia
What types of immigration cases do attorneys in Richlands, Virginia typically handle?
Immigration attorneys in Richlands and the broader Southwest Virginia region commonly assist with family-based petitions (I-130), naturalization (N-400), adjustment of status, and humanitarian cases like U visas for crime victims. Given the local presence of federal facilities and regional industries, they also frequently handle employment-based cases and matters related to immigration court proceedings, which may be initiated through enforcement actions in the area. It's important to consult with a local attorney who understands the specific procedural nuances of the USCIS field offices and courts that serve Virginia residents.
How can I find a reputable immigration lawyer near Richlands, VA?
Start by checking the Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service and looking for attorneys accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). While Richlands itself has a limited number of specialized practices, many reputable immigration lawyers serve the region from offices in nearby cities like Abingdon, Roanoke, or Johnson City, TN, and offer consultations in Richlands. It is also wise to seek recommendations from local community organizations or churches that may have experience assisting immigrant families in Tazewell County.
Are there any local resources or organizations in Richlands that help with immigration paperwork?
Direct immigration legal service organizations are limited in Richlands itself. However, residents can seek assistance from broader regional non-profits such as the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) or the Catholic Charities of Southwest Virginia, which may offer clinics or referrals. For reliable form preparation and legal advice, it is strongly recommended to use a qualified immigration attorney, as errors on federal forms can lead to severe delays or denials, impacting your status in the U.S.
What should I expect during my first consultation with a Richlands-area immigration attorney?
Your initial consultation, which may be conducted in-person or virtually, will involve a detailed review of your immigration history, current status, and goals. The attorney will assess your eligibility for relief, explain the specific processes relevant to Virginia jurisdictions, and outline potential strategies, timelines, and costs. Be prepared to bring all relevant documents, including passports, I-94 records, prior denial notices, and any correspondence from USCIS or immigration courts to this meeting.
If I'm detained by ICE in Southwest Virginia, what are my rights and how can an attorney help?
If detained, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Immigration detention in this region often involves transfer to facilities like the Farmville Detention Center or regional jails. A local immigration attorney can file for a bond hearing, represent you in removal proceedings before the Arlington Immigration Court (which has jurisdiction over Virginia cases), and explore all possible forms of relief. Acting quickly is critical, so having contact information for a lawyer familiar with Virginia's immigration enforcement landscape is essential.
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About Richlands, Virginia
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