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An immigration detainer and the 48 hour hold in Maricopa County
What an immigration detainer really means for a 48 hour hold in a Maricopa County jail, and the exact steps families should take before that window closes.
Zava Immigration Law: Phoenix AZ Immigration Attorney
Immigration and criminal defense for families in Phoenix, AZ — we evaluate both from day one
Does your immigration case have a criminal component?
Most immigration firms in Phoenix don’t handle criminal cases. And most criminal attorneys don’t know the immigration consequences of each charge.
When both areas intersect, you need someone who understands both.
An arrest, a conviction, or a guilty plea can affect your naturalization, your green card renewal, or your eligibility for immigration benefits. We analyze your criminal history before USCIS does.
Certain offenses trigger automatic removal proceedings. We handle your defense in immigration court while simultaneously coordinating the criminal side to protect your right to stay.
A new charge while you’re processing a green card, adjustment of status, or naturalization can stall everything — or reverse progress already made. The order in which both cases are handled matters.
A USCIS denial, an unresolved RFE, or a case stuck in court is not always the end. We review what happened, identify options, and reopen the process with the right strategy.
Immigration services in Phoenix for residency, protection and defense
Each of these situations has a specific legal process.
These are the services we work with.
Deportation and detention
Permanent residence
Family, minors, and authorizations
Criminal defense
Protection for victims
Asylum and humanitarian protection
Immigration attorneys with over a decade operating in Arizona
Our focus is on the Phoenix Valley and Arizona courts — that is where we know the terrain, the judges, and the processes.
We are not a national firm with offices in 20 states. We also handle cases remotely when the situation allows.
Our team combines experience in immigration law and criminal defense. In today’s environment, where a criminal charge can irreversibly affect an immigration case, that combination makes a real difference for our clients.
Why immigrants choose Zava Immigration Law
Transparency
We tell you exactly where your case stands, what options you have, and what to expect — no promises we can’t keep.
No middlemen
You speak directly with the attorney handling your case — not a paralegal relaying messages. Your questions get direct answers.
Bilingual
We serve clients in English and Spanish. No third-party translations, no miscommunication on the details that matter most.
Immigration and criminal defense experience
We evaluate the impact of both areas at the same time, from day one — something very few firms in Phoenix offer.
Our blog
Blog
Preparing for your hearing at the Florence immigration court
The Florence immigration court operates inside one facility, but a nearby complex often gets confused with it. Here is how to tell them apart.
Blog
How the judge decides if you go home at an immigration bond hearing
An immigration bond hearing decides if you can leave detention while your case continues. Here is what the judge weighs before deciding your case.
What our clients say
Frequently asked questions about immigration in Phoenix
Can I apply for an immigration benefit if I don't have legal status?
In many cases, yes. People without status may qualify for asylum, VAWA, U visa, SIJS, and other benefits depending on their situation. Not having status does not automatically close every door.
What happens if I have a criminal record and want to fix my immigration status?
It depends on the type of charge, the date, and your current immigration situation. Some records affect certain processes but not others. The first step is a full evaluation before filing anything.
How long does an immigration process take?
Timelines vary by case type and USCIS or court workload. At the consultation we give you a realistic estimate based on your specific case — not a generic range.
What if my application was already denied?
A denial is not always final. Depending on the reason, you may be able to file a motion to reconsider, an appeal, or a new application under a different category. The first step is reviewing what happened and why.
What does the first consultation cover?
We review your immigration situation, identify what options exist for your case, and explain the steps to take. It is the starting point for knowing exactly where you stand and where you can go.
Talk to an immigration attorney in Phoenix, Arizona today
We are here to help you with all your immigration needs.
Contact us today to speak with one of our attorneys about your specific situation.