does a lawyer make a difference?

[kiteman 0]

i got denied US naturalization because i was convicted in 2009 for possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz). they sent me a mail saying that i can petition my case (that will be more expensive). so my question is that: is it worth hiring a lawyer at this time? also, how much of a diffence will a lawyer make if i hire one? will a lawyer convince the judge or USCIS office to make me a US naturalize citizen?.....

[Steve D. 22]

Yes, yes, and YES.

[Paradise123 7]

From what I have heard you need to wait 5 years after a conviction to apply for a citizenship. If you are trying to petition your case NOW it will not make a difference if you do it with or without a lawyer.

[Nancy2015 2]

From what I have heard you need to wait 5 years after a conviction to apply for a citizenship. If you are trying to petition your case NOW it will not make a difference if you do it with or without a lawyer.

[ConcordUser 18]

You have an option to appeal and I am sure your atty can make a big difference when you appeal your case. Or you can wait for 5 years since the date of conviction and apply again. In your case it is a better idea to engage attorney so they would not start deportation procedure against you. It may not happen but now that you have told them what you did, they can initiate a negative action against you.

[Sajid6695 5]

Do not appeal. Wait 5 years after your disposition and reapply. I was denied also because i did not wait 5 years after my arrest. I applied again now and waiting for their decision after the interview on july 25. I am not sure if they would approve even though I hired a money hungry lawyer. Lawyers just want money, i dont know what help my lawyer was to me because i could have just applied on my own.

Edited August 2, 2012 by Sajid6695

[NickD 203]

If there is a five year wait, a good attorney will tell you that and not charge you a dime.

Did have a good attorney with excessive delays in our applications, told me he is neither a person friend of the director nor does he owe me a favor. Contact your senators office for the help you need. Didn't charge me a dime.

Did hire a good attorney from one of the top law firms in the USA to help me sort out the AOS stages, way too much to learn with my over packed schedule, rates were very reasonable, and everyone at the USCIS was very nice. Really the only time everyone at the USCIS was very nice, so that made a difference. But everything done was within the law, he knew them, I didn't.