When a loved one has been arrested and placed in US federal detention, it can be difficult to know where to turn. You are worried about them while at the same time you need to make the right moves to get them released and to find out what their rights are. Unfortunately, it's far too easy to make the wrong choice when you are desperate for help. Read on for a guide that will help you figure out who to trust when you need help after an immigration arrest.

What Is a Notario Publico?

Immigration consultants known as "notario publicos" are often said to be the right form of help when you need it for immigration problems. However, you should know that these people are not what you might wish them to be. Here is why you should choose a lawyer over an immigration consultant:

1. Consultants are not lawyers. Though lawyers are known by the same name in other countries, they have no power to make the legal moves you need to get your loved one out of confinement. You cannot use such a consultant to represent yourself, your loved one, or anyone else in legal matters in a federal immigration court matter.
2. They are not educated or trained in immigration matters. Many notario publicos are ordinary people who print up a few business cards and take advantage of those who need legal help. They have no special education or legal expertise and no governing body recognizes them as qualified to assist anyone in legal matters.
3. They will take your money. You are advised to keep your money away from these immigration consultants. They often charge high fees and then end up disappearing with your money. They are not worth paying because there is nothing they can do for your immigration problems.
4. They cause problems instead of solving them. Immigration and visa consultants are not only unqualified to help immigrants, but they also waste their time and give them false hopes. They may lie to you about what they can do for you and then they submit incomplete applications and that can cause delays. They may also submit applications to the wrong agency. Unfortunately, using this type of consultant can make you miss important deadlines because they can be careless about getting documents submitted in time.

Know Who To Trust

Immigration lawyers are the only source of help immigrants can trust to handle important matters like getting a loved one out of detention. They work with immigrants and Homeland Security every day and they understand the laws. They are able to act on your loved one's behalf in federal court because they are certified and licensed to do so.