Alien Smuggling Attorney in Fort Lauderdale
Broward County, Florida federal criminal defense lawyers
Alien smuggling charges have spiked over the past few years, as immigration has become a controversial and significant topic in the world. As government, federal, and state agencies look for illegal activity, innocent people can end up getting charged. If you’ve been charged, it’s critical to have an experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyer representing you. The Fort Lauderadle alien smuggling defense attorneys at Joffe Law, P.A. have represented clients in complex and sensitive smuggling cases, and will develop the strongest possible defense for your case.
What is alien smuggling?
Alien smuggling is knowingly bringing or arranging to bring non-U.S. citizens into the country. The federal statute 8 U.S.C. Section 1324 prohibits bringing an alien to the United States; transporting or moving an illegal alien within the U.S.; harboring or concealing an illegal alien within the U.S.; and encouraging or inducing an illegal alien to enter the U.S.
As well as facing alien smuggling charges, you may also face related immigration crimes, such as identity theft, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, child endangerment, child abduction, human trafficking, and fraud.
Penalties for alien smuggling
Section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act covers the specific penalties for alien smuggling in the U.S. Penalties for encouraging entry or transporting or harboring an illegal immigrant without financial gain can result in five years of prison. Bringing or attempting to bring an alien into the U.S, and transporting or harboring an illegal immigrant for profit both can result in 10 years in prison. If someone is injured, the penalty could be 20 years in prison, and if someone dies as a result of alien smuggling, it could mean life in prison.
If you’ve been charged with a federal crime like alien smuggling in Fort Lauderdale or throughout Broward County, Florida, contact Joffe Law, P.A. at 954-723-0007 for a free, confidential consultation. Our federal criminal attorneys are dedicated to fighting for you and protecting your rights.