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Voluntary Departure  What is Voluntary Departure? Voluntary departure refers to the option available for individuals to leave the United States without being issued a formal removal order. This can be granted by ICE or CBP either before or during the removal proceedings. In cases where removal proceedings have already begun, an Immigration Judge has the authority to grant voluntary departure, either at the beginning or during the proceed...

Can You Legally Drive While Taking Over-The-Counter Drugs in Louisiana? Navigating the Intersection of Over-The-Counter Medication and Driving We've all experienced those moments when a headache or congestion strikes, and we instinctively reach for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like Sudafed to find relief. However, what happens if you need to get behind the wheel? Are you allowed to drive while under the influence of OTC drugs in Louisia...

If you are an American citizen planning to tie the knot with someone from another country or an immigrant who wants to settle down with a US citizen, applying for a K1 visa is a requirement for living happily together in the U.S. The process of obtaining a K1 visa can be quite complicated, and it's crucial to make sure that you submit all the necessary immigration documents to avoid any unnecessary delays or complications. By working with ...

The interview is one of the last steps to getting a K1 visa and is coincidentally the part of the process people stress over the most. It is common practice for the interviewer to ask personal questions. While this may feel a bit invasive and cause discomfort, it is an unavoidable part of the process. There is no need for you to experience anxiety or apprehension over your upcoming K1 visa interview. All you need to do is set aside time to pre...

Cancellation of removal is a way to stop removal proceedings against you. If you succeed in your application for cancellation, you will no longer be in removal proceedings. An immigration judge (IJ) will listen to your case and decide if you qualify for cancellation of removal. To apply, you must file a EOIR-42B application.               To qualify for cancellation of removal you must...

The process for applying for asylum depends on whether you have already been placed in removal proceedings. If you have already been served with a Notice to Appear alleging that you are removable from the United States and that Notice to Appear has been filed with the immigration court, you must apply for Asylum as a defense to removal from the United States. Defensive asylum applications are decided at the immigration court in an adversarial pro...

The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) is a law enacted in 1966 that allows Cuban nationals or natives to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents of the United States. To qualify for CAA, an individual must be a Cuban national or a native of Cuba and have been physically present in the United States for at least one year. They also must not be excludable or deportable for any reason under INA 212(a) or INA 237(a). When a person arrives in th...

Since 1978, legislation on the legalization of medical marijuana has been constantly changing throughout the United States. As of April 2022, there are nearly 30,000 registered citizens in Louisiana using marijuana for medical reasons. With the recent legalization of smokable marijuana for medical use, it is pertinent to go over the current legalities of medical marijuana in Louisiana. Louisiana’s Current Restrictions on Medical Marijuan...

Dual Citizenship: What to Know Becoming an American citizen is a dream for many immigrants: the American passport is one of the strongest in the world, allowing for visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries; you can vote, attend school without a student visa, and access public benefits if you need to; and you can help your family immigrate to the U.S. by applying for green cards. However, you might not want to give up citize...

If you or a loved one has decided to apply for American Citizenship, you’re probably aware of how complex and arduous the process can be. That’s why you need legal representation by a law firm with the experience and skill necessary to handle your immigration case. Rozas & Associates has represented thousands of U.S. immigrants in their cases, and can probably help you as well. Regardless of your situation, there are a number o...

Although many people believe that drug trafficking is the same thing as drug dealing, the law defines the terms differently. In fact, most states don’t have a law that specifically mentions drug dealing, and instead use other terms for the various drug offenses under which people are charged. Though laws vary from state to state, as well as on the Federal level, Louisiana law differentiates between drug possession and drug manufacture or...

5 Reasons Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer If you or a loved one are trying to immigrate to the United States, you've probably realized how frustrating, stressful, and emotional the experience can be. That's why the team of legal experts at Rozas and Associates has helped immigrants all over the country with their legal issues for over 20 years. We're dedicated to helping our clients get the best results for their situation, thou...

DISCLAIMER:  Each situation is unique, and while the following information can be helpful, IT IS NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE.  Our team at Rozas & Associates will be more than happy to set up a free consultation to discuss the specific circumstances of your situation. Note: There is a legal presumption in Louisiana Law that begins every custody dispute in the position that Joint Legal Custody and Shared (Equal) Physical custody ...

You’ve just been arrested or cited with a misdemeanor offense. Now what? This can be extremely overwhelming, especially if this is your first ever criminal offense. If convicted, you could be looking at a permanent blemish on your criminal record, the possibility of losing your job, a large fine, or even jail time. Even though misdemeanors usually do not have the same level of consequences as a felony, it doesn’t mean you shouldn&r...

What is a Conditional Green Card? If you’re a foreign national and have been married to your spouse that is a United States citizen for under 2 years when you arrive in the US on an immigrant visa or are approved for a green card, you’ll start out your new life as a “conditional resident.”  What is the Purpose of Conditional Residency or a Conditional Green Card? This term of non-permanent residence is there for ...

Do I Need to Hire a Divorce Attorney in Louisiana? Divorce is one the most complex and emotional legal processes in family law. On top of this life event being one of the most emotionally-draining experiences for all parties involved, there is a lot at stake, including real estate, financial assets, and child custody, to name a few. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all of the information and advice you might encounter. And if you follo...

What are the Different Types of Child Custody in Louisiana? Louisiana child custody laws can be similar to those in other states, but that isn’t always the case. Walking into a custody battle is hard enough as it is, and not knowing about Louisiana custody laws will not make it any easier. Familiarizing yourself with each type of custody agreement in Louisiana will help you and your child or children throughout the process. The most hoped ...

Have you been accused of assault or battery in the state of Louisiana? Don’t try to handle assault or battery charges on your own. Due to the nature of these types of crimes, assault and battery charges can result in jail time, large fines, as well as criminal charges on your record. At Rozas & Associates, we have expert attorneys available to help you. Let us work with you to either reduce your sentence or prove your innocence. Our cri...

Are you facing sex crime charges in Louisiana? If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in Louisiana, it is important to know what you are up against since in most cases, these crimes are punished severely. Penalties, after you’ve been convicted of a sex crime, may include registering as a sex offender, fines, and jail time, all of which can change your life forever. Even an unfounded accusation can alter your personal and professiona...

Are you facing criminal drug charges in the state of Louisiana? Drug crimes have severe penalties in the state of Louisiana. A drug conviction can drastically impact your life, leading to loss of employment, difficulty finding new employment or even losing custody of any children. These are just a few of the typical penalties for drug crimes in Louisiana. It is crucial that you choose a drug crime lawyer that is experienced, knowledgeable, and ...