Any immigration lawyers on board?

[OHDiver]

I have a friend here in the states, visiting from Jamaica... Talk about needing a lawyer... Jeesh! I am embarassed of how our legal system works after what has recently happened to him...
He was pulled over for a simple speeding ticket in GA... They made him stay in jail overnight, his friend had to post bail of 275.00... Then... He had to show up in court and there.... they suspended his license for 2 months, put him on 9 months probation and... on top of all that he has to pay an additional fine of 680.00......
And YES....... all of that for a simple speeding ticket
He is such a nice guy too... He didn't give anyone a hard time or anything... He was actually laughing and having fun with the guys that pulled him over. They told him he had to spend the night in jail because of the fact that he is from Jamaica... they didn't want him going back without paying his fine or some silly excuse.
I am sorry... But hearing all of this happening to him truly embarassed me... Stuff like that doesn't speak well to people from other countries visiting the USA. As far as I can tell... they really took advantage of this poor guy...
Hmmmm.... okay, thank you all for allowing me to vent that.
I'm done!

 

[Aquamaniac]

Ben.
Drop me a PM if your still in a pickle. I have a solicitor who handles all the Oz Ex-pats that work for my firm (including me!).
He is good, and knows your situation, however, he is not free, and he is in Atlanta.
Dave

 

[AllenG]

Scubasean - Re not knowing what I intended to say - Individuals of the legal persuasion tend to frown on non-barristers who engage in attorney-like behaviors. And there are laws in this country that explicitly prohibit such behavior by individuals who have not seen the movies Paper Chase and Legal Eagles, watched every segment of LA Law, or preferably have attended a law school. Furthermore, individuals who may purposefully deliver services (lawfully or otherwise) which result in an individual suffering damages (can you say "deportation?") may find themselves the target of suit by a qualified and competent attorney (i.e., "my client followed his advice and look what happened to him!") . For this reason, it is often considered prudent to disclaim any knowledge of anything and suggest that any person who acts upon your verbalizations does so at his/her own risk. More confused than ever?

Aquamaniac - I read with interest that you have a solicitor. Here in my community, a solicitor is someone who walks the streets in high heel shoes and a very short dress and asks people if they want to party for an hour. No doubt many testosterone-driven full citizens would also be interested in your solicitor . . .

Allen

 

[Scubaroo]

Is the official name for a Lawyer in Australia ut:

no joke

 

[scubasean]

Allen, I've figured it out...I had thought you wanted to be helpful...heh

And you have been...I'm still entertained.