About Us
Focused Criminal-Immigration Practice
Ms. Boxeth’s practice is intentionally focused on high-stakes criminal-immigration matters, including motions to vacate convictions, motions to reopen removal proceedings, and strategic consultation in active criminal cases to avoid catastrophic immigration consequences.
She regularly works with criminal defense attorneys, public defender offices, immigration counsel, and advocacy organizations to analyze immigration exposure, develop alternative dispositions, and litigate post-conviction relief under evolving statutory and case law.
Background in Law, Education & Advocacy
Before entering private practice, Ms. Boxeth served as a Deputy Public Defender, representing clients in misdemeanor and felony cases through trial and sentencing. Throughout her career, she has consistently advised non-citizen clients on the immigration consequences of criminal proceedings.
Ms. Boxeth is also a former public school teacher and holds a Master’s degree in Education. Her background as an educator informs her legal practice, her approach to client counseling, and her extensive work training and mentoring other attorneys.
Leadership, Training & Professional Impact
In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Boxeth is actively engaged in professional leadership, legal education, and policy work. She regularly provides trainings and expert consultation on criminal-immigration issues to attorneys, judges, and legal organizations throughout California and nationally.
Her work includes expert declarations, strategic consulting in complex cases, curriculum development, and legislative advocacy addressing systemic inequities in the criminal and immigration systems.
Advocate Heather M. Boxeth
Heather M. Boxeth, J.D., M.Ed., is a nationally recognized attorney whose practice focuses on the intersection of criminal law and immigration law—commonly referred to as crimmigration. With more than two decades of legal experience, she is known for her deep statutory knowledge, historical understanding of immigration consequences, and strategic post-conviction advocacy.
Ms. Boxeth represents non-citizens facing removal, detention, and permanent immigration consequences arising from criminal convictions, often entered years or decades earlier. Her work centers on complex post-conviction litigation and reopening unlawful or outdated removal orders.
“The rule of law depends on due process and fundamental fairness—especially when the consequences are permanent“
History & Expertise
Education
Juris Doctorate, 2003, University of San Diego School of Law
Master of Education, Curriculum & Instruction, 1995
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, 1991
Bar Admissions
The State Bar of California
US District Court, Southern District of California
A Deliberate and Selective Practice
The Law Office of Heather M. Boxeth is intentionally selective. Each matter is approached with precision, historical awareness, and a clear understanding of the life-altering consequences at stake. Representation is provided by appointment and consultation, and often in collaboration with other counsel.
Call Us
619.233.3843
OR