Robert F. Jacobs & Associates, PLC, Legal Blog
Can the police search your phone?
More and more often, phones are a source of evidence in criminal cases. This is simply because many people use their smartphones exclusively to communicate. They send text messages, direct messages, social media messages and email messages. They can transfer data...
Common reasons family visas are denied
As a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, you can sponsor your family members for immigration into the country through family-based visas. However, the world of immigration visas is quite unpredictable. Nothing is guaranteed despite careful preparation. Your...
If you get pulled over, do you have to answer questions?
Questions are a common part of any traffic stop. Maybe you were just breaking the speed limit. The officer will probably ask you if you know how fast you were driving. In many cases, officers will just ask: “Do you know why I pulled you over today?” It could be any...
What does moral turpitude mean in immigration?
Coming into the United States as an immigrant requires an applicant to meet certain requirements. One of these is that they can’t have been convicted of any crimes involving moral turpitude. Understanding this concept is critical for anyone who wants to come into the...
Will your divorce mean you get deported?
Recently, your spouse told you that they would like to get a divorce. This may not be what you want, but you know that you can’t prevent a divorce from happening. If your spouse wants to end the marriage, they have the right to do so. However, you are concerned about...
“Knock-and-talk” visits by ICE agents ruled unconstitutional
If you’re an immigrant to this country, an unexpected visit by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can be frightening – even if all of your documentation is current and valid. Part of that fear can be caused by not fully knowing what rights you have...
Can you bring a child to the U.S. without proof of parentage?
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with a green card, bringing one of your children to the U.S. can be a challenge. At the very least, it requires patience – and a lot of paperwork to secure a family-based visa. It’s even more of a challenge if you...
Exceptions to the green card language interview
Is the English language requirement holding you back from obtaining naturalized citizenship in the United States? That’s not uncommon. In general, anybody who wants to become a naturalized U.S. citizen has to be able to demonstrate basic proficiency in the language...
What’s a SODDI defense?
Courthouses and trials have a language all of their own. When you’ve been charged with a crime, however, you usually get a crash course in the terminology of the criminal justice system. One of the most common defenses raised in criminal trials is something that...
Reasons people immigrate to the United States
People immigrate to the United States every year, and for a variety of reasons. Every situation is unique. However, the reason that someone decides to immigrate can have a major impact on the tactics they use and the path that they follow. They may need a specific...