Curtis Sok | Fresno Criminal Lawyer

• Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Member, California Public Defenders Association
• Member, Fresno County Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of California

I have worked on Hmong refugee cases. the Hmong people were tribal in Laos living in mountains of Laos during the Vietnam War. They were credited by the CIA for assisting / rescuing shot-down US Navy pilots. Also they fought against the influx of Vietnamese troops from Northern Vietnam area to stop them from advancing against the US troops in the southern Vietnam. However, when US left the Vietnam, some of the Hmong tribes could not escape. They were labeled as the enemy of the state by the Pathet Lao(Lao Communist), who were the ally of the Communist Vietnam. The Pathet Lao and Vietnamese troops began a systematic decimation of the Hmong people left in the mountain by either killing them or sending them to labor camp. My client was sent to labor camp, survived the camp and upon returning the village, he found the way to US. I helped him to get the refugee status in U.S. and he is now staying in US. Also I have worked on gang cases. My client was a gang member but was arrested for murder without a probable cause. He was charged with murder without much substantial evidence other than being in the same gang as the assailant. I fought the case hard by challenging the evidence against my client. After the preliminary hearing, my client's case was dismissed. The judge agreed with me that there weren't sufficient evidence against my client, other than his being in the same gang and living in the same neighborhood. Also I have challenged ambiguous and dubious accusations for DUI, Domestic Violence.

I think that local knowledge about the culture, crimes, and police tactics/practice are important to know as an attorney. Also, the Central Valley in CA is made up of multiple ethnic groups. So there are many immigration issues among the groups and I can certainly help.

During the consultation, I could tell advise clients about the solution/relief from the their immigration issues. I could tell them what I could do to assist them finding ways to stay in U.S. Also I will analyze if there are illegal search or arrest by the police and find a way to suppress evidence.

For criminal case: nature of charges, custody status: in or out of custody, source of the funding for the legal fees, contact info. Age, name, next court date and location, and DOB of the client. For immigration case: Entry point (did they come through custom or just crossed over) If entered legally,the type of status they entered into U.S.; the date of last entry; the allegations(if any) by the government for the basis of deportation case, the court date and location, if any, any family members who have legalstatus in US . if so what status (ie.Permanent resident or US citizen, of Student visa...etc)Who will pay for the legal fees

I have concentrated in Immigration and criminal law practice for the last 15 years. I am not a lawyer, who just utilize and rely on paralegals for the legal knowledge and actual performance. I do them myself. Client will see and meet me,not the paralegals. ( I am not just the front guy in the adv only)I have tried over 50 jury trials and immigration trials; helped thousands of immigrants and U.S.citizens against the immoral or unjustified prosecution or encroachment on their liberty. I have worked a day of my career attempting to put anyone in the jail or prison or support the unlawful search or detention of the government law enforcement personnel. So I never have advertised that I was a former prosecutor who has built their career working against our clients.

Helping people and their family, who are going through crisis of their life. it's all about them, not me. I feel privileged that the clients are entrusting me with their liberty and rights in my hand.

I am involved with church, and Asian attorney association, and love futball, the real football.