Key Largo Federal Immigration Crime Attorney

Skilled Attorneys Defending Against Federal Immigration Charges in Key Largo, FL

A large number of immigrants live in the Florida Keys, and people in the area may be accused of offenses related to immigration, including entering the United States without authorization or helping others to do so. People who are accused of violating immigration laws may be charged with federal crimes. The consequences that may apply in these cases can be serious, and a conviction could lead to a sentence in federal prison, deportation, and a long-term or permanent bar from reentry to the U.S.

At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, our lawyers work with immigrants or others who are facing federal immigration charges, helping them determine the best ways to defend against convictions while avoiding issues that could affect their legal status in the United States. With our experience representing clients in federal courts and our knowledge of the immigration laws that may apply in federal cases, we can make sure clients take the right steps to resolve these matters successfully.

Unlawful Entry

A person who is accused of entering the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry could be charged with a federal crime. These cases may involve accusations that a person entered the country without authorization, avoided being inspected by immigration officers, or took other actions to gain entry illegally. A first offense will typically be classified as a misdemeanor, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to up to six months in a federal prison. A second offense can result in felony charges, and a person could face a prison sentence lasting for up to two years.

Unlawful Reentry After Deportation

When a person has been deported from the United States, they will typically be barred from reentry for a certain number of years. If they attempt to enter the U.S. again during the time when they are prohibited from doing so, they may be charged with a federal crime. In many cases, a conviction for this offense may result in a sentence of up to two years in federal prison. In some cases, enhanced penalties may apply because of previous deportations or specific criminal charges, and the maximum sentence may be as high as 20 years.

Unlawful Presence

If a person remains in the United States after a visa has expired or in another situation where they do not have authorization to stay in the country, they will generally face civil immigration consequences rather than criminal charges. However, in certain situations, federal criminal charges may apply. A person who remains in the U.S. after a court has issued an order of deportation could be convicted of a crime and sentenced to up to one year in prison.

Immigration Fraud

Federal criminal charges may apply in situations where people are accused of making false statements or providing falsified information in order to obtain immigration benefits. These cases may involve marriage fraud in which a person has allegedly married a U.S. citizen solely for immigration benefits. A person convicted of marriage fraud could be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined as much as $250,000. Other fraud-related charges may include document fraud, such as forgery of passports, visas, or other documents. In these cases, a person could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

Alien Smuggling

While criminal charges may apply for immigrants who are accused of violating the laws in the United States, others could face federal charges as well. A person who is accused of assisting immigrants in entering the U.S. without authorization may be charged with alien smuggling. This offense may involve any activities related to bringing immigrants into the country or transporting or harboring illegal immigrants. The penalties in these cases may include prison sentences of up to 10 years. In situations where a person allegedly caused someone to suffer a serious injury or put their life in jeopardy, they could be sentenced to up to 20 years.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Federal Immigration Cases

The federal courts that review criminal charges related to immigration follow specific rules and procedures, and sentencing guidelines may determine the penalties that may apply after a conviction. Federal prosecutors will often be able to use government resources to investigate and prosecute these cases. Issues such as a person's immigration history and their criminal record can determine how a case will be handled and what penalties they may face.

A criminal defense attorney who understands how these cases are handled in the federal system can ensure that a person will be able to defend against federal immigration charges. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we can provide representation for clients throughout a federal criminal case, providing guidance on the options that are available and working to minimize immigration-related penalties, prison sentences, or other consequences that a person may face.

We will review a person's history to determine how previous removals or other issues related to immigration may affect federal charges. We can take steps to determine whether prosecutors can prove that fraud occurred, that a person intentionally transported or harbored immigrants, or that they committed other offenses. We will identify weaknesses in the case against a client and take steps to resolve matters in ways that will protect our clients against serious penalties while helping them avoid issues that could affect their legal status and their future in the United States.

Contact Our Key Largo, Florida Federal Immigration Crimes Lawyers

In recent years, the United States government has taken measures to enforce immigration laws and prosecute people who are accused of violations such as unlawful entry or immigration fraud. People who are facing these charges will need to understand how to defend against convictions that could lead to federal prison sentences while also avoiding deportation or other immigration-related penalties. At Keys Criminal Defense, PLLC, we have the experience needed to help clients defend against charges involving immigration offenses. To learn more about the legal services we provide, contact our Key Largo, FL federal immigration crimes defense attorneys at 305-324-7888 and arrange a free consultation.