You have constitutional rights:
- DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
- DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
- DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
- If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
Immigration
The Ventura County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to providing exceptional representation to all clients- including those who may not be United States citizens. Our Immigration Unit provides the following services for those who cannot afford and attorney:
Post-Conviction Relief
The Ventura County Public Defender’s Office aggressively pursues post-conviction relief for people suffering the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Whether or not our office represented the person in the original case, our attorneys will pursue every available remedy to erase or fix any Ventura County criminal conviction harming one’s immigration status or ability to obtain lawful status.
If you are in need of assistance on a case of your own or if you are an immigration attorney or non-profit representing someone with a problematic conviction, please click here.
File Requests
If you are an attorney wishing to request a Public Defender’s Office client file, please click here.
Complete Analysis and Advice Concerning Immigration Consequences for Every Case
Every single non-citizen client of the Ventura County Public Defender’s Office is provided a personalized, case specific analysis of the actual and potential immigration consequences for all charges.