Surco criminal defense lawyer for foreigners
If you are a foreign national—including a Peruvian citizen from Surco or elsewhere—facing criminal charges in the United States, you need a US-licensed attorney who understands both the American criminal justice system and the unique challenges that cross-border cases present. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm founded in 1997 that assists international clients with US criminal defense matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. For any Peru-law issues that may arise—such as obtaining evidence located in Peru or coordinating with Peruvian authorities—the firm collaborates with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. All US-law aspects of your case are handled by Mr. Sris and the firm’s US-licensed attorneys. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
How a US criminal defense lawyer can assist foreign nationals
Foreign nationals arrested or charged in the United States often face a confusing and intimidating process. Language barriers, unfamiliarity with US court procedures, and concerns about immigration consequences can make an already difficult situation worse. A US-licensed criminal defense attorney can protect your rights at every stage—from the initial investigation and bail hearing through trial and, if necessary, appeal. The attorney can also help ensure that you receive the consular notification to which you are entitled under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, a treaty to which the United States is a party. This notification allows your home country’s consulate to provide assistance and monitor your case.
When a case involves evidence, witnesses, or legal documents in Peru, the firm’s collaboration with Martín Mayandía becomes especially valuable. Mr. Mayandía, who is admitted in Peru and not in any US state bar, can help identify and authenticate Peruvian records, coordinate with local authorities, and advise on Peru-law questions that may affect the US proceeding. The US-licensed attorneys at Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. remain solely responsible for all US-law strategy and court appearances. This clear division of responsibility ensures that every aspect of your defense is handled by a lawyer licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
I am a Peruvian citizen facing criminal charges in the US. Can a US lawyer help me?
Yes, a US-licensed criminal defense attorney can represent you regardless of your nationality. The right to counsel in the United States does not depend on citizenship. A qualified attorney will explain the charges, advise you on possible defenses, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you in court. The firm’s US-licensed lawyers have extensive experience handling cases for foreign nationals and understand the additional concerns—such as visa status and potential immigration consequences—that may arise. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need a lawyer in Peru as well?
It depends on whether your case involves Peru-law issues. If the criminal matter is entirely within the US—for example, a charge filed in a Virginia court—a US-licensed attorney can handle the defense. However, if the case requires obtaining evidence from Peru, interpreting Peruvian documents, or addressing parallel proceedings in Peru, the firm can engage Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar. His role is limited to Peru-law matters and liaison work. The firm will advise you if Peru-side assistance is needed.
What should I do if I am arrested in the US as a foreigner?
Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask to speak with an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the facts of your case with law enforcement until you have legal counsel present. You also have the right to have your consulate notified. Once you contact a US-licensed criminal defense lawyer, they can take steps to protect your rights, communicate with the consulate on your behalf, and begin building your defense. Call (888) 437-7747 as soon as possible after an arrest.
How does consular notification work for Peruvian nationals?
Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, US authorities must inform you of your right to have your consulate notified of your arrest. If you request it, the consulate will be contacted and can provide assistance such as visiting you, helping you communicate with family, and recommending local attorneys. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys can facilitate this process and coordinate with the Peruvian consulate to ensure your rights are respected throughout the criminal proceedings.
Can the firm help if I need to return to Peru while my case is pending?
Whether you can travel depends on the conditions of your release and the court’s orders. In many cases, a defendant who is not a US citizen may be required to surrender their passport or obtain permission from the court before leaving the country. Your US-licensed attorney can request travel authorization from the judge if there is a compelling reason. Violating travel restrictions can have serious consequences, including revocation of bail and additional charges. Always consult your attorney before making any travel plans.
What if I am in Peru and need to address US criminal charges?
You can still retain a US-licensed attorney to represent you even if you are outside the United States. The firm regularly works with clients who are abroad. Your attorney can appear in court on your behalf for many proceedings, communicate with prosecutors, and advise you remotely. If your presence is required, the attorney can help you arrange travel and coordinate with US authorities. Contact the firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss how representation can be arranged from Peru.
How do I contact the firm from Peru?
You can call the firm’s toll-free number, (888) 437-7747, from Peru by dialing the US country code first. The firm also accepts inquiries by email at peru@sriscounsel.com. Consultations are by appointment only. When you reach out, a staff member who speaks Spanish can assist with initial intake if needed. The firm’s US-licensed attorneys will then discuss your case and determine the path forward.
What experience does Mr. Sris have in criminal defense?
Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Over his career, he has handled a wide range of criminal matters and brings extensive courtroom experience to every case. His background as a prosecutor gives him valuable insight into how the government builds its cases, which he uses to develop effective defense strategies for his clients.
Does the firm have a location in Surco, Peru?
No, the firm does not have a physical location in Surco or anywhere in Peru. Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is a US law firm with its principal location in Virginia, by appointment only. For Peru-law matters, the firm collaborates with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, who is admitted in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar. All US-law representation is provided by the firm’s US-licensed attorneys from their US locations.
How are fees structured for cross-border criminal defense?
Fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and the amount of work required. The firm typically discusses fee arrangements during an initial consultation. Because cross-border matters may involve coordination with Peru-side counsel, the overall cost can reflect both US and Peru-law components. The firm will provide a clear explanation of all anticipated fees before any work begins. Contact (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and receive a fee estimate.
Can the firm assist with evidence located in Peru?
Yes, through its collaboration with Martín Mayandía, the firm can help obtain and authenticate evidence located in Peru. Mr. Mayandía, who is admitted in Peru and not in any US state bar, can identify relevant records, coordinate with Peruvian authorities, and ensure that documents meet the requirements for use in US courts. The US-licensed attorneys at the firm then handle the admissibility and presentation of that evidence in the US proceeding. This coordinated approach helps ensure that no critical evidence is overlooked.
What languages does the firm speak?
The firm offers services in English and Spanish. Mr. Sris speaks English and Tamil. For Spanish-speaking clients, the firm can arrange consultations with staff or with Martín Mayandía, who is a native Spanish speaker. This language capability helps ensure that Peruvian clients can communicate comfortably and understand every aspect of their case. When you call (888) 437-7747, let the intake staff know your language preference.
About Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel network
Mr. Sris, the founder of Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has built a practice focused on criminal defense and cross-border matters, drawing on decades of courtroom experience. The firm collaborates with a network of Of Counsel attorneys in various countries to address foreign-law issues that arise in international cases. For Peru-related matters, the firm works with Martín Mayandía, Of Counsel, admitted to practice law in Peru (2009) and not admitted in any US state bar; his role is limited to Peru-law matters in collaboration with the US-admitted attorneys of the firm. The firm’s principal location is in Virginia, and all consultations are by appointment only. To speak with a US-licensed attorney about your criminal defense needs, call (888) 437-7747.