It’s never easy to divulge personal details to a stranger, and this is even more complicated when those details involve your personal immigration status. People facing immigration issues need the help of immigration attorneys the most, but they may have fears that their info can leak and do damage to them or their families. With so many years of immigration experience, we understand these concerns and want to help put them to rest before you schedule your legal consultation with our experienced team.
Understanding the Concerns
Some individuals hesitate to disclose their immigration status when speaking to an attorney because they fear legal repercussions. They worry that their information might be used against them, potentially leading to deportation or other legal issues. These concerns are heightened for two reasons: misconceptions about privacy and a lack of trust regarding unknown attorneys.
It makes sense to have reservations if you are unsure who will have access to your information and whether it will remain confidential. This is particularly true for those who have experienced breaches of trust in the past. Many individuals from vulnerable communities may also carry a deep-seated mistrust of law enforcement, legal professionals, and the legal system as a whole. Whether from negative past experiences, cultural differences, or a general skepticism about whether attorneys genuinely have their best interests at heart, distrust means that some people in legal consultation keep some information to themselves.
Despite these concerns, there is no way to be successful and achieve your legal goals without being honest with your attorney. Accurate legal advice hinges on the attorney having all the facts. Without a complete understanding of your situation, an attorney cannot provide the best possible guidance and may unintentionally jeopardize your case by pursuing legal options that cannot bear fruit.
Honesty also helps in building a strong and credible case. When all the facts are laid out from the beginning, the attorney can develop a strategy that addresses potential weaknesses and highlights strengths. If inconsistencies or omissions are discovered later, it can undermine your case and lead to additional legal troubles.
We know that these words may not remove all of your doubts. Let’s look at why consultations with lawyers can be trusted and what protections are in place to keep your info safe.
How the Legal Consultation Works
When you attend a consultation, the process is designed to be straightforward and supportive. The immigration attorney will ask pointed questions to gather all necessary information about your immigration status, background, and the specific issues you face. This is not intended to invade your privacy. Instead, it is necessary for attorneys to do what they do best: help clients with their legal issues.
Once an attorney-client relationship is established, you benefit from the knowledge that your attorney is on your side and is there to help you through your immigration issue. Casually asking a question to an attorney you know in your life doesn’t establish this relationship – it is only through an actual consultation, meeting, or agreement with an attorney.
Attorneys are bound by strict confidentiality rules, known as attorney-client privilege. Attorneys cannot disclose information you share without your explicit permission and are ethically obligated to maintain your privacy, barring extreme circumstances that are not typical of most immigration cases.
It’s also important to note that initial consultations often come with no obligation to proceed with further services. This means you can seek advice and better understand your situation without committing to any immediate legal action or a long-term relationship. If you have questions or concerns, never feel hesitant to reach out.
We hope to gain your trust and use the information you provide to give you the best chance at achieving your immigration goals without stress and hardship. Contact Probinsky & Cole today to schedule your consultation and learn how our team can help.
