
The Law Firm
Founded in 1992


Dedicated to Securing Your Future
Bretz & Coven, LLP
Our Vision
Our team of dedicated attorneys at Bretz & Coven, LLP are known throughout the United States and in particular, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for enthusiastically taking on the cases that other lawyers turn down. When we believe an injustice is being done, we are prepared to fight for our clients all the way to the federal courts, and we have the record to prove it. Our firm is rated Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell® (the highest peer-review rating for both ethics and knowledge), as well as listed in Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in the U.S. Our team includes a former Trial Attorney for the Legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), U.S. Department of Justice. Because of our reputation in immigration law and deportation/removal defense, other immigration and criminal defense attorneys often refer difficult cases to us. We love to strategize cases involving complex fact patterns, the immigration consequences of alleged criminal conduct and fraud, as well as those seeking to live here legally based upon family, employment, talent, education and profession. Those non-citizens who have a fear of persecution if returned to their native countries can feel at ease with our experience in political asylum, withholding of removal and the Convention Against Torture (CAT). Minors who have been abused, neglected or abandoned can rely on our record of working both the family and immigration courts to secure a green card. Our staff speak more than 15 languages and we have three offices:
New York City, Bronx and Clark, New Jersey. We offer in person, Zoom and telephonic consultations.

Our Profile
A CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE FOR IMMIGRANTS
Our team of dedicated attorneys at Bretz & Coven, LLP are known throughout New York City for enthusiastically taking on the cases that other lawyers turn down. When we believe an injustice is being done, we are prepared to fight for our clients — in federal court, if necessary. Our firm is AV-Rated® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, and our team includes a former litigator for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Because of our reputation in immigration law, other immigration attorneys often refer difficult cases to us.
DEDICATION TO IMMIGRATION JUSTICE IN EVERY VENUE
Our work is not limited to the administrative process of immigration. While we eagerly help individuals and families understand the process of obtaining citizenship, New York residency or a green card, we consider complex cases to be the strongpoint of our practice. Our attorneys have argued immigration appeals in federal appellate courts and have had a statute declared unconstitutional. We are dedicated to comprehensive immigration reform and remain invested in the latest immigration legislation and rulemaking, including deferred action. This allows us to advise our clients in New York of the full range of options available to them:
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Adjustment of status
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Asylum
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Available types of visas
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Immigration Consequences to Criminal Convictions
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Waivers
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Removal defense
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Special programs and treaties
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Employment Based Immigration
CRIMMIGRATION
Crimmigration is where criminal law and immigration law are connected to each other. Bretz & Coven has over 25 years of experience counseling non-citizens and lawyers on the immigration consequences of criminal convictions and alleged criminal conduct. The immigration consequences of criminal conduct can be quite severe and often illogical. Sometimes a minor criminal matter can result in detention without bail, deportation and removal, inadmissibility (not eligible to enter or return to the U.S.) as well as denial of a green card or citizenship. Non-citizens facing a criminal matter or with past criminal issues, should know and understand how that criminal history affects them. We offer full-service representation in such cases and can give a detailed legal opinion regarding the immigration consequences of a non-citizen’s criminal history.
POST-CONVICTION RELIEF (NYCPL 440 MOTIONS)
Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) refers to motions that may lead to overturning a conviction, changing the plea or modifying a sentence. Once the immigration consequences are known, a strategy may be employed seeking post-conviction relief or a 440 Motion to change or modify that conviction. Bretz & Coven has developed a focused practice in the New York City and New York State Courts challenging convictions. Such changes to a conviction sometimes result in less or no immigration consequences. New York Criminal Procedure Law (NYCPL) (440 Motions) permits former defendants to withdraw a plea or attack a conviction at any time based upon a defect in the proceedings or ineffective assistance of the former lawyer. Sometimes that defect or ineffective assistance of counsel was that the defendant never knew the immigration consequences of that plea.
REAL-WORLD INSIGHT IN EMPATHY
At Bretz & Coven, many of our staff members and New York City immigration lawyers have gone through the federal immigration process before working with our firm. We know what you are going through, and we want to help, whether you want to know about the different types of visas or need to prevent deportation. An attorney at our firm can explain what is happening at every phase of your case in clear, understandable language and address your expectations and concerns. A comprehensive strategy for your business or your family lets you feel confident, as does our commitment to keeping you apprised and moving the process forward in a timely manner.
With more than two decades of immigration law experience, we do not limit ourselves to the mainline approaches. Instead, we evaluate your full array of options and use our in-depth, practical knowledge of the system to get results even if another lawyer cannot help you. Our thorough understanding of immigration procedures — both official and unofficial — allow us to more effectively help our clients navigate the process and avoid many of the problems that can otherwise occur.
CONTACT ATTORNEYS WHO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING
We at Bretz & Coven, LLP understand how stressful and confusing the immigration process can be, so we take special care to keep you informed and comfortable. Contact our experienced immigration lawyers in New York City today at 212-267-2555 or online for creative solutions to your complex immigration problems.
Our Skilled Lawyers
Can Assist You With Your Immigration Issues

Crimmigration

Deportation Defense

Family Based Green Cards

Naturalization

Post-Conviction Relief
440 Motions

Employment and Business Visas
E / L / P / O Visas

LGBTQ Immigration Services

Waivers

Immigration Eligibility with Criminal History

U Visa

Special Immigrant Juvenile

Writ of Mandamus
Our Partners
Our Media

News & Updates of
Bretz & Coven LLP
Department of State Visa Bulletin
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html
EOIR Case Status Portal
USCIS website
Arrival/Departure Forms: I-94 and I-94W
Contact Us

Bretz & Coven, LLP
Attorneys At Law
NEW YORK OFFICE
305 Broadway
Suite 100
New York, New York 10007
Phone: 212-267-2555
Fax: 212-267-2129
THE BRONX OFFICE
930 Grand Concourse
Unit 1G
Bronx, New York 10451
Phone: 212-267-2555
Fax: 212-267-2129
NEW JERSEY OFFICE
15 Brant Avenue
Unit 8
Clark, New Jersey 07066
Phone: 212-267-2555
Fax: 212-267-2129










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