About.We are dedicated to improving the legal representation of indigent non-citizens by providing training, consultations, and expert immigration advice to appointed counsel on Long Island.
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Our Goal
Our goal is to support appointed counsel in helping his/her non-citizen clients to make informed choices regarding any adverse immigration consequences which may arise from a Criminal or Family Court proceeding.
In 2010, the Supreme Court announced in Padilla v. Kentucky, 130 S. Ct. 1473 (2010), that non-citizens facing criminal charges are entitled under the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel provision to informed, accurate advice and assistance from counsel in avoiding the potential negative immigration consequences of any guilty plea. However this mandate can prove challenging because immigration laws are in constant flux, are complex and often subject to misinterpretation. Immigration consequences stemming from even minor criminal charges like disorderly conduct or petit larceny can be serious and certain, including mandatory detention and removal. Similarly, dispositions in Family Court can result in adverse immigration consequences affecting life-altering decisions such as custody, visitation, adoption and termination of parental rights. The LIRIAC can help assigned counsel to navigate these case complexities with expert analysis and legal advice.
In 2010, the Supreme Court announced in Padilla v. Kentucky, 130 S. Ct. 1473 (2010), that non-citizens facing criminal charges are entitled under the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel provision to informed, accurate advice and assistance from counsel in avoiding the potential negative immigration consequences of any guilty plea. However this mandate can prove challenging because immigration laws are in constant flux, are complex and often subject to misinterpretation. Immigration consequences stemming from even minor criminal charges like disorderly conduct or petit larceny can be serious and certain, including mandatory detention and removal. Similarly, dispositions in Family Court can result in adverse immigration consequences affecting life-altering decisions such as custody, visitation, adoption and termination of parental rights. The LIRIAC can help assigned counsel to navigate these case complexities with expert analysis and legal advice.
Our Team
Jackeline Saavedra-Arizaga
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Elizabeth L. Tonne-Daims
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Connie Calix
Paralegal Connie Calix is a 2014 graduate from the State University of New York at Delhi, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Technology Management. Before joining LIRIAC, Connie worked for the Nassau County Legal Aid Society, first as a receptionist and then as a District Court /Appeals/Parole Secretary, working closely with her supervisors and attorneys. In addition to her secretarial responsibilities, Connie became the weekend arraignment paralegal for the Nassau County Legal Aid Society, where she joined arraignment attorneys in court, interviewed the arrestees, and gathered information from court documents to assist in bail arguments. She enjoys these responsibilities and understands the importance of working with underserved communities. Connie is fluent in Spanish and is excited for her future with the LIRIAC. |