About JP Lavallee

Graduated From McGill University

Jean Pierre Lavallee graduated from McGill University, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1989, after obtaining his BA in English Literature. McGill is one of the most famous English Language universities in the world, and is often referred to as the Harvard of Canada.

He then went to OsGoode Hall Law School, located in Toronto, graduating in 1991. OsGoode Hall is among the oldest English common law schools in North America and is regarded as one of the top “Ivy League” law schools in Canada.


His studies concentrated on criminal law, commercial and contract law, as well as an intensive program at Canada’s largest legal aid clinic where he was exposed to the numerous and complex issues that confront immigrants and those accused of crimes.

The current state of the laws for immigrants is in crisis. There are many people who are decent, kind, hardworking and law abiding who may not be able to obtain legal status. They must live under the cloud of deportation. However, there are legal means to protect family and property from this potentially catastrophic consequence, while we wait for the laws to change and for justice to prevail. Even for lawful residents this is one aspect of immigration planning that is becoming more and more important as the political climate changes and as delay by the United States Government in processing applications becomes impossibly long.

Non-Citizens Face Two Battles

Persons accused of crimes and are non-citizens face two battles: there is a local case in the state court, and another in the federal immigration system. Minor crimes can have enormous hidden impacts for non-citizens that can trigger a removal (deportation) or prevent return to the United States. Therefore, to properly represent such defendants requires knowledge and practical strategies for both cases.

Immigration And Criminal Defense

Accordingly, he practices law in two areas: immigration and criminal defense. His criminal defense practice includes Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties – however, he will appear in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and San Francisco counties as well.

His immigration practice serves all 50 states, but focuses on Northern California and the Immigration Court located in San Francisco, where the majority of the cases in this area are resolved. In San Francisco, he recently procured a bond for an individual mistakenly classified as subject to mandatory detention, overcoming significant objections from the DHS attorneys. He has assisted clients in criminal cases as serious as “three-strike” offenders facing life sentences, to juvenile defendants prosecuted as adults, to domestic violence crimes and so-called minor crimes such as shoplifting, vandalism or driving without a license.

As a criminal defense lawyer he has developed skill in the most common crime alleged in California: driving under the influence (DUI). Surprisingly, even a DUI can have hidden effects on non-citizens when they attempt to obtain visas or adjust status. Furthermore, he has developed a proven system to help defend DUI cases and avoid a conviction in the first place.

First Hand Experience With Immigration

Personally Obtained Citizenship For His Family

Jean Pierre Lavallee has first hand experience with immigration through his own personal life, having personally obtained citizenship for his family, and through advising clients on immigration planning issues so they can become legal residents and avoid problems.

Anyone who can obtain legal status, or even better, citizenship, should do so, and should plan to do it right. This will ensure that they can enjoy all the rights, privileges, unique benefits, and responsibilities that living in the United States can provide.

Call (831) 458-1011 To Discuss Retaining Immigration Attorney JP Lavallee