Do You Need a Lawyer for an Immigration Bond in Florida?

For most people, when a friend or family member is arrested in Florida by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, it is their first interaction with the agency. This can make the process seem very intimidating. Because of the unfamiliar nature of ICE, many families question if they need a lawyer. While it might be helpful to seek expert legal counsel for the actual immigration case at hand, it generally is not necessary to secure a lawyer to get an immigration bond in Florida.

Obtaining an immigration bond in Florida is a fairly straightforward process. After the immigrant is arrested and processed through ICE’s system, they will hold an immigration bond hearing to determine eligibility. During the hearing, the immigrant’s specific circumstances will be evaluated. They will delve into the immigrant’s birth country, how long they have been within the U.S., if they have a criminal history and if they have maintained employment. The goal of assessing these aspects of the immigrant’s life is to determine the level of risk that they present to the agency if they are released on bond.

An immigrant who has remained in the United States for many years with no criminal history and strong family ties, for example, is perceived to be less of a flight risk than an individual who just arrived in the country. Additionally, they want to ensure that the immigrant does not pose a risk to the community or to national security if they are permitted to leave ICE custody. Those with certain criminal charges will be unable to secure an immigration bond in Florida and will instead be held in mandatory detainment until their case concludes in court. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year depending on the caseload within the immigration court system.

Those who are granted release on bond; however, will have a price set at the bond hearing. Afterward, a friend or family member is able to pay it and the immigrant will typically be released the same day. The person who will sign the paperwork and pay the bond is known as an immigration bond sponsor. If the bond will be paid at an ICE facility, the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident equipped with an original social security card and a photo I.D. From there, they will contact their nearest ICE facility and schedule an appointment to post the bond. 

For bond sponsors who are unable or unwilling to visit an ICE facility, it can be helpful to seek the assistance of an immigration bond service. While these companies do not provide the same services as a lawyer, they are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to getting your loved one released from an ICE facility on an immigration bond. Additionally, they only require a small percentage of the total bond to be paid before getting your loved one released. 

Want to learn more about immigration bonds in Florida or how bond services can help? Reach out to US Immigration Bonds today.