Born in Haiti, our client immigrated to the United States as a teenager in 1996. Following a 2002 conviction for third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, he was ordered removed in 2009. Although subsequently granted relief from deportation under the Convention Against Torture, our client lacked immigration status because of the conviction. Over the last 15 years, he obtained an education and steady employment, and became a father to two daughters. Due to legal efforts and negotiations by Appellate Advocates, our client obtained a replea to unauthorized use of a vehicle, permitting him to pursue permanent resident status and eventually citizenship.
A second client came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 1991 and became a lawful permanent resident. Following a 2001 arrest for felony drug charges, he pled guilty in 2005 to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. In the ensuing 16 years, he had a family and worked full time. In 2021, after traveling abroad, he was placed in deportation proceedings upon re-entering the United States. Through our legal efforts, our client, now 72 years old, was permitted to replea to criminal facilitation, allowing him to remain in the United States.
Sarah O’Leary represented both clients
