Meet Attorney Zelene Zaleta
Learn more about her courtroom experience, professional background, and approach to federal criminal defense and complex immigration matters.
Experienced Federal Criminal Defense and Immigration Attorney
- Federal CJA Panel Attorney
- Regular appearances in Federal District Court
- Extensive immigration court litigation experience
- Appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals
- Federal sentencing advocacy
- Complex inadmissibility and removal defense
- State Bar of Texas CLE Speaker
- AILA Conference Speaker
- ICE and USCIS liaison experience
- Active professional memberships and leadership roles
A Career Dedicated to Federal Defense and Immigration Advocacy
Attorney Zelene Vianey Zaleta has built her practice at the intersection of federal criminal defense and immigration law, representing clients in complex matters where the consequences can profoundly affect their freedom, families, and future. Her approach is grounded in careful preparation, strategic advocacy, and direct, personalized representation.
Attorney Zaleta earned her Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where she developed a strong foundation in legal advocacy and a commitment to serving individuals facing difficult legal challenges.
Following law school, Attorney Zaleta gained experience with the Federal Public Defender’s Office and established immigration law firms, developing practical experience in federal criminal proceedings and complex immigration matters. That foundation continues to shape her practice today, allowing her to navigate the intersection of criminal and immigration law with a comprehensive understanding of the consequences that can arise in both systems.
Focused Federal Criminal Defense
Attorney Zaleta represents individuals facing federal investigation, prosecution, and sentencing. Each case receives a carefully developed defense strategy grounded in thorough preparation, close analysis of the evidence, and focused courtroom advocacy.
Nationwide & International Immigration Representation
Attorney Zaleta represents clients throughout the United States and abroad in complex immigration matters before Immigration Court (EOIR), USCIS, ICE, and U.S. embassies and consulates in multiple countries. Her practice includes removal defense, detention matters, family-based immigration, waivers, humanitarian relief, consular processing, and cases involving criminal or other complex immigration issues.
Professional Memberships & Recognition
Attorney Zelene Zaleta is actively engaged in the federal criminal defense and immigration law communities through professional organizations, leadership roles, and continuing legal education. Her involvement reflects an ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of developments affecting her clients and the practice of law.
Memberships Include
Direct Representation. Personal Attention.
When you hire Attorney Zelene Zaleta, you work directly with the attorney handling your case. Each matter receives individualized attention, careful preparation, and a strategy developed around the specific facts, challenges, and goals of the client.
Whether facing a federal criminal case or navigating a complex immigration matter, clients receive clear communication and focused advocacy at every stage.