December.05.2013
Our litigation team secured a very timely and potentially life-saving consent agreement with the U.S. government that allowed our client, a native of Sierra Leone, to resume his life in the United States following more than 15 months in federal immigration detention.
The client entered the United States as a lawful permanent resident at the age of 7 in January 1996 with his father, who had won the diversity visa lottery offered to residents of countries that traditionally had low immigration to the United States.
The client was detained following his arrest and conviction in Maryland with several offenses stemming from an incident in 2008, which resulted in a lengthy jail sentence, much of which was suspended. However, the government obtained a final order of removal against the client.
In the meantime, the client was able to gain the assistance of the public defender in Maryland, who successfully represented him in a motion to reconsider his sentence, which was granted. The criminal trial court resentenced the client to 364 days imprisonment with credit for time served and three years of supervised probation. This new sentence did not allow the U.S. government to deport the client.
Given this development and notwithstanding the federal shutdown, which for all practical purposes put a stop to the immigration courts, Michael Keough, supervised by Sten Jensen and supported by the Washington, D.C., managing attorney's office, quickly prepared a motion to re-open the immigration proceedings and terminate the client's immigration case with the goal of seeking his immediate release.
Mike also worked hard to advocate with the client's deportation officer to keep him updated on the client's situation and prevent his removal. Shortly after filing the motions, we received word from the client and his family that he had been released from immigration detention.
"Good things happen to those who persist. I felt there wasn't a chance of winning, but I was persistent in pursuing my case, and that eventually led me to Orrick," the client said. "Orrick's representation was outstanding. I really appreciate the help. If you need a safe haven, Orrick is the place to go."
Mike noted that "this was a great opportunity for me as a first-year associate to take ownership of a case and make a huge impact for a very deserving client. It was a very satisfying start to my legal career."