Passport Impounded Earlier And Out Of H1 Status Now

[Bradyn]

A friend of mine is in MN, USA on H1 status. Recently, he was arrested in an internet sting operation conducted by police and charged with felony solicitation of a minor girl. He has been released on a bail bond of $10,000 and will be fighting the case.

In the meantime, he has got indication from his employer that they might fire him.

In such a case he will lose his H1 status.

Though he will be out of status, he cannot leave USA as his passport is deposited with the court.

He is afraid that INS may come after him and arrest him as he is out of status. Do you think this is possible?

Secondly, I am told INS can release the arrested prson on a bail bond of around $20-30K to be paid in full.

Kindly advise.

Goldsmith

INDIA

[Ames]

He needs to get a criminal defense lawyer and start addressing these issues through his lawyer. If the USCIS decides to detain him, given the circumstances it is impossible to guess what bond might be ordered (if any).