Alien Smuggling

Harboring and bringing certain Aliens across state lines, otherwise known as alien smuggling, is a Federal crime that is being prosecuted zealously by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). After the September 11^th attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93 over Pennsylvania, ICE has heightened their prosecutions of illegal aliens and those accused of helping bring them into the United States without proper immigration measures being taken. Always a hot button political topic, depending on the position of the United States Department of Justice, this charge can be more hotly pursued under some administrations than others. ICE also takes a particular interest in this crime because the conditions revolving around those individuals attempting to enter the United states are almost always deplorable. It is not uncommon for women to pay their toll into the United States using the sex trade as currency for their own fare and for others. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon and those individuals facilitating the illegal entry, take advantage in the instant and sometimes longer. Over the last ten to twenty years, the frequency of smuggling illegal immigrants into the United States has increased as many seek the illegitimate profits available by helping those attempting to enter our country. This crime is a serious one, often resulting in a Federal prison sentence, despite no other crimes being committed. The attorneys at The Mayberry Law Firm are familiar with immigration-related offenses and the defenses available to someone accused of such a crime. If you have been charged or are being investigated for alien smuggling, it is vital you contact an experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible.

So, What is Alien Smuggling?

The crime of alien smuggling occurs when an individual who knows another person is an illegal alien and brings or tries to bring the illegal alien to the United States in a manner or in a place other than a designated port of entry, regardless of whether the alien has received prior permission to enter the United States, and regardless of any future official action which may be taken with respect to such alien. This situation would include the scenario where a coyote is hired to actually bring a person across a border, using a known smuggling rout.

OR

An individual who knows or recklessly disregards that an alien has entered or is remaining in the United States illegally, transports, moves, or tries to transport or move an illegal alien within the United States by way of transportation, or otherwise, in further violation of Federal law. This scenario can often, and unfortunately, include the movement of an individual for sex trafficking or for other illegal pressured labor.

OR

An individual who knowingly or recklessly disregards that an alien has entered or is remaining in the United States illegally, who harbors, conceals, or shields from detection, the illegal alien in any place whether in a building or through transportation. This scenario would occur when an individual offers refuge for an illegal alien. While arguably the least egregious alien smuggling scenario, the actions involved would still possibly fall within the purview of the alien smuggling statute.

OR

An individual who encourages or induces an alien to come to or live in the United States, by knowingly or recklessly disregarding the fact that the illegal alien’s entry or residence is illegal or will result in such.

Any person charged with alien smuggling could be facing a maximum of 5 years or 10 years per count, based on the statutory subsection that person is indicted under.

How Can We Help?

Each attorney at The Mayberry Law Firm is well versed and experienced in representing those charged with the Federal crime of alien smuggling. Our attorneys are aggressive and competent in defending those charged with this crime. Our attorneys know the proper strategies to employ, ensuring that you will receive the best possible outcome for your case. If you have been charged with a Federal crime, contact the Tampa criminal attorneys at The Mayberry Law Firm as (813) 444-7435 for a free consultation.