N400 interveiw - Bring attorey or not?

[eric1032 2]

hi my wife got her interview scheduled mid-June.  She was arrested 12 years ago for misdemeanor and later reduced to a infraction.   the arrest happened even before she got the green card.  When we applied for the green card, due to the arrest, we hired an attorney to fill out the forms and accompany her to the green card interview.   Of course everything went fine and my wife got the green card in 2007.   Fast forward to today, we got the same attorney to fill out the N400 form just for a peace of mind.   The attorney called today to offer to go with my wife to the interview.  It's not outrageous price, $500 flat, we don't mind paying.   My question, however, is there any benefit to bring the attorney along?   If she can answer for my wife regarding the arrest, then i think it's great......but if she can't do or say anything (that's how i remembered at the green card interview...she did not say a word), wourld bringing her along even give a negative feel to it?

 

thx

[Going through 5,671]

An attorney can accompany her to the interview, however they would not be permitted to answer any questions on her behalf...basically the lawyer has to remain silent unless spoken to directly by the IO.

[Sunnyland 639]

Exactly. If the attorney is allowed during the interview, he will have to be sit quietly during the interview. He can not answer her questions (english test) nor stop the USCIS officer from questioning her. He may be of help to answer the questions regarding your wife past legal issues but that's pretty much it. Last week was my N400 interview and I did not see anybody going with an attorney for the interview. 

[eric1032 2]

Sunnyland, if the attorney can anwer some of the questions regarding the past legal issues, that would be mission accomplished.  i know my wife is pretty neverous about it.

[Going through 5,671]

7 minutes ago, eric1032 said:

Sunnyland, if the attorney can anwer some of the questions regarding the past legal issues, that would be mission accomplished.  i know my wife is pretty neverous about it.

They are generally not allowed to, unless directly asked for their input from the IO.

I have a criminal history, I did not have a lawyer attend my interview----my crime fell into the CIMTs, which made me almost lose my mind walking into that interview room alone.  If you have all the required supporting evidence/court documents, that's all the IO cares about really. 

 

The lawyer in your case, of course, wants to attend since it's an easy $500 to make in an afternoon.

Edited May 11, 2018 by Going through

[TNJ17 1,329]

That’s really not needed. You’ll be fine without it and save $500. 

[CarlHamilton 252]

The attorney can tell your wife when to stop talking, which is no small benefit.

[Sunnyland 639]

49 minutes ago, eric1032 said:

Sunnyland, if the attorney can anwer some of the questions regarding the past legal issues, that would be mission accomplished.  i know my wife is pretty neverous about it.

 

Yes, he will be able to answer legal questions only. But your wife will have to answer the personal questions (like when the officer reviews the N400 form). The attorney will be put in mute mode by the officer. 

I did not use any attorney but I did not have any legal issue from past that would make me nervous at all so there was not need of an attorney. If you don't mind to spend $500 then go ahead if that gives you a peace of mind. Only my husband was by my side in the waiting room to give me support. Good luck to your wife. Make sure she studies all the 100 questions of the test. 

[mhis82 13]

On 5/10/2018 at 8:25 PM, eric1032 said:

hi my wife got her interview scheduled mid-June.  She was arrested 12 years ago for misdemeanor and later reduced to a infraction.   the arrest happened even before she got the green card.  When we applied for the green card, due to the arrest, we hired an attorney to fill out the forms and accompany her to the green card interview.   Of course everything went fine and my wife got the green card in 2007.   Fast forward to today, we got the same attorney to fill out the N400 form just for a peace of mind.   The attorney called today to offer to go with my wife to the interview.  It's not outrageous price, $500 flat, we don't mind paying.   My question, however, is there any benefit to bring the attorney along?   If she can answer for my wife regarding the arrest, then i think it's great......but if she can't do or say anything (that's how i remembered at the green card interview...she did not say a word), wourld bringing her along even give a negative feel to it?

 

thx

I am sure she speaks English, All the IO will ask. Were she arrested, When was it, and What was the outcome. 

And she will hand him over the " Original Certified Final case disposition " & " Certified Copy of police report "

And she is done.

Lawyer, will do nothing but sit at the corner and enjoy free 500$.

Why dont you save this money and have a good vacation somewhere? 

[Haji delco 103]

On 5/11/2018 at 1:04 AM, shomer said:

The attorney can tell your wife when to stop talking, which is no small benefit.

I cannot stress this enough. $500 is a lot of money but for a successful N400 it’s peanuts. Just like @shomermentioned don’t underestimate the presence of a lawyer that knows the law and their mere presence will make the IO not ask questions that they are not supposed to ask.

 

@eric1032 if you’re scared my advice is to take him with you, Citizenship is more scrutinised than Greencard. And besides if touchwood something goes wrong, he will still be available to continue to work your case. 

[eric1032 2]

Hi all, just want to let y'all know the result. My wife went to the interview this past week.  She was asked several civic questions and was asked about the arrest.  She answered it truthfully.   The interviewer did not have followed up questions.  My wife passed.   

 

We did not bring an attorney.  

 

 

[Jelo 0]

On 6/17/2018 at 12:31 PM, eric1032 said:

Hi all, just want to let y'all know the result. My wife went to the interview this past week.  She was asked several civic questions and was asked about the arrest.  She answered it truthfully.   The interviewer did not have followed up questions.  My wife passed.   

 

We did not bring an attorney.  

 

 

Congratulations. Good news also that you save the 500$.