Border states such as Texas experience a significant number of non-citizens arriving every day. With immigration issues becoming a prominent part of local and national platforms, a conviction of bringing in or harboring certain aliens can change your life and affect your job civil liberties and your entire family. We often represent clients facing charges of being involved in the transport of non-citizens into the United States.
According to Cornell Law School, the laws regarding illegal immigration include, but are not limited to, the transporting or harboring of non-citizens in the U.S. illegally and bringing in aliens at any place other than an approved port of entry.
Penalties for alien smuggling
Under federal law, anyone who brings, helps bring or knows of a person brought into the United States without the proper authorization, such as green cards or passports, can be held accountable for an immigration-related crime. Although the stereotype involves escorting a person across the desert, the method of transportation is irrelevant. The court can impose a prison sentence of up to ten years and a fine. If you or anyone involved sustains injuries, the prison time can increase to 20 years. Even a failed attempt can result in a year or more in jail.
Defense for alien smuggling
Illegal immigration laws are complex. An effective defense considers the details of your unique situation. Lack of proof of intent, knowledge, involvement or conspiracy is often a crucial part of a defense strategy. The process used by the prosecution for the collection of evidence and other factors can also affect the defense put forth on your behalf.