Deportation Defense in Virginia & DC: Complete Guide (2025 Edition)

Facing deportation can be one of the most stressful experiences in your life. If you or a loved one received a Notice to Appear (NTA) in Virginia or the D.C. metro area, understanding the immigration court process is the first step toward protecting your future.

At Law Group International, we help immigrants from all backgrounds defend their right to remain in the United States. This 2025 guide explains every stage of the deportation process, from your first hearing to possible appeals, and how our experienced deportation defense attorneys in Virginia and Washington, D.C. can help you fight for the best possible outcome.

Quick Answer: What to Do First if You Got an NTA

The Notice to Appear (NTA) officially begins your removal proceedings. This document lists the allegations against you and the law the government claims you violated.

Your next step is to check your court date immediately. Use the EOIR Automated Case Information System (ACIS) or call 1-800-898-7180 to confirm your upcoming hearing. Immigration courts will not send additional reminders if your address changes, update it right away by filing Form EOIR-33.

If you’re unsure what the NTA means or when to appear, contact Law Group International for a same-day NTA review.

Where Your Case Will Be Heard in the D.C. Metro Area

Immigration cases in the Washington, D.C. area are usually assigned to one of two local courts:

Annandale Immigration Court
7619 Little River Turnpike, Suite 400, Annandale, VA 22003
Hyattsville Immigration Court
6505 Belcrest Road, Suite 250, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Both serve immigrants living in D.C., Northern Virginia, and parts of Maryland.

What to bring: your ID, NTA, any notices from the court or DHS, and proof of address. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for security and check-in.

The Immigration Court Process: Step by Step

1. Master Calendar Hearing (MCH)

Your first hearing is called the Master Calendar Hearing. It’s not a trial but a scheduling and procedural session. The judge will confirm your address, explain the charges, and ask if you need more time to find a lawyer.

File motions or pleadings at least 15 days before the MCH.
Responses are due 10 days after receipt (not mailing date).

2. Preparing Your Case for Relief

Between hearings, your attorney helps you collect evidence, complete immigration forms, and prepare witness testimony. All exhibits and witness lists must be submitted 30 days before your Individual Hearing (detained timelines vary).

See our Immigration Court Timeline for a breakdown of deadlines.

3. Individual (Merits) Hearing

The Individual Hearing, also known as the merits hearing, is your trial day. You and your witnesses testify under oath, present evidence, and respond to the government’s arguments.

The immigration judge (IJ) will decide your case at the end of the hearing or issue a written decision later. Learn more about how to prepare in our article: Merits Hearings in Immigration Court: Evidence, Testimony & Winning Themes.

4. Decisions, Appeals, and Motions

If the judge denies your case, you have 30 days from the oral or mailed decision to file a BIA appeal using Form EOIR-26.

Other key deadlines:

Motions to Reopen: within 90 days of the decision.
Motions to Reconsider: within 30 days.
In-absentia motions: 180 days (exceptional circumstances) or any time (lack of notice).

Common Defenses in Deportation Cases

Cancellation of Removal

LPR Cancellation: Requires 5 years as a lawful permanent resident, 7 years of continuous residence, and no aggravated felony.
Non-LPR Cancellation: 10 years of continuous presence, good moral character, and exceptional hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR relative.

Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and CAT Protection

You may qualify if you face persecution or torture in your home country. These claims rely heavily on credible testimony and country-conditions evidence.

Criminal History and Immigration Defense

Certain convictions can make you ineligible for relief. Our team works closely with criminal defense attorneys to ensure plea deals and post-conviction strategies align with your immigration goals, an essential step under Padilla v. Kentucky.

Detention & Bond: Getting Released While Your Case Is Pending

If you’re detained, you may qualify for a bond hearing under INA §236(a). The immigration judge decides if you can be released and sets the bond amount (minimum $1,500).

Bonds are posted through ICE’s CeBONDS system, which allows online payment by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Learn more in our full guide: Bond Hearings for Immigrants: Eligibility, Amounts & How to Request One.

If the Judge Denies Your Case: BIA Appeals & Federal Court Options

You can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days. If the BIA denies your case, you have another 30 days to file a Petition for Review with the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, since cases from Annandale and Hyattsville fall under that jurisdiction.

Appeals do not automatically stop deportation. You must request a stay of removal, either from the BIA or the federal court.

If you’ve already been ordered removed, you may still have options. Read our related guides:

Post-Order Issues (If Removal Is Ordered)

Once a removal order is final, ICE begins the 90-day removal period. During this time, detention is usually mandatory. If removal isn’t possible within that period, ICE may release you under supervision or on an order of supervision.

You can also apply for voluntary departure in certain cases, allowing you to leave without a formal removal order.

How Law Group International Wins in VA & DC: Our Playbook

At Law Group International, we combine legal precision with compassionate advocacy. Here’s how our team helps you every step of the way:

Court advocacy: Strategic hearing preparation, persuasive case themes, and expert presentation of evidence.
Criminal-Immigration Alignment: We work directly with criminal defense counsel to prevent immigration consequences during plea negotiations.
Appeals Strength: Deep experience handling BIA and Fourth Circuit litigation.
Detention Release: Fast bond filings and CeBONDS navigation for families.
Status Checks: Continuous ACIS monitoring and hearing-notice verification.

FAQs – Deportation Defense in Virginia & DC

How do I check my immigration court date?

Use EOIR ACIS or call 1-800-898-7180.

What are the main deadlines in immigration court?

MCH filings: 15 days before the hearing
Responses: within 10 days
Exhibits/witness lists: 30 days before Individual Hearing
BIA appeal: 30 days
Motions to reopen: 90 days
Motions to reconsider: 30 days

Can I get out on bond?

Yes, if eligible. Minimum bond is $1,500, paid via ICE CeBONDS.

Who hears my federal appeal?

Annandale and Hyattsville cases go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Get Help from a Deportation Defense Attorney in Virginia & DC

If you’ve received an NTA or already have a hearing scheduled in Annandale or Hyattsville Immigration Court, don’t face it alone.

At Law Group International, we provide:

Same-day NTA and bond reviews
Bilingual legal support (English, Spanish, Farsi, Dari)
Representation before the BIA and Fourth Circuit
Personalized defense strategies tailored to your case

Schedule your confidential consultation today.