Immigration Crimes Attorney in Miami, FL

If you or a loved one has been arrested or is facing prosecution in Miami for immigration crimes, it is critical to consult with an experienced immigration crimes attorney in Miami as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. Being convicted for an immigration-related crime can result in severe penalties, including removal (deportation) for non-U.S. citizens. You need the counsel of an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to maximize your chances of resolving your case with a favorable outcome.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, your defense should also account for the immigration consequences of a criminal case, including how a plea or conviction could affect your ability to remain in or return to the United States.

What are Immigration Crimes?

Federal immigration crimes include improper entry, unlawful reentry after removal, immigration fraud, and certain smuggling or harboring offenses. Being in the United States without lawful status generally carries civil immigration consequences; that fact alone does not establish a criminal offense. Improper entry under 8 U.S.C. § 1325 involves specific conduct, such as entering outside a designated entry point, evading inspection, or obtaining entry through a willful material misrepresentation.

Under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, a person previously removed from the United States may face felony charges for returning, attempting to return, or being found here without the required permission. The statute also covers certain other prior immigration events. The basic maximum prison term is two years, but qualifying criminal history can raise that maximum to 10 or 20 years. A prior criminal conviction alone does not establish illegal reentry.

U.S. citizens can also face immigration-related criminal charges. 8 U.S.C. § 1324 prohibits specified acts involving smuggling, transporting, concealing, or harboring noncitizens, as well as related aiding and abetting. Each charge requires proof of its own elements. For example, transportation must further the person’s unlawful entry or presence, with knowledge or reckless disregard of that status. The provision addressing encouragement or inducement requires intentional solicitation or facilitation of specific unlawful acts; general support or advice does not automatically meet that standard.

Common Immigration-Related Offenses

Criminal cases involving immigration account for a significant share of federal criminal prosecutions. Some of the most common immigration-related offenses we defend are:

We provide immigration law expertise to our criminal defense clients facing immigration offenses. In addition to providing competent legal representation, we have extensive experience in federal court cases. To achieve the best possible results, our firm works closely with clients throughout each phase of their case.

More Immigration Crime Resources

Immigrant Legal Resource Center — Resources for criminal defense lawyers and immigration attorneys on how criminal cases can affect immigration status.

Immigrant Defense Project — Guides and educational materials for immigrants, families, and attorneys about criminal cases, immigration enforcement, and legal rights.

Contact an Experienced Miami Immigration Offense Lawyer

Whether you or a loved one has been arrested or is under investigation for an immigration offense, it is critical to consult with an experienced Miami immigration offense lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. You need the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process and maximize your chances of resolving your case with a favorable outcome.

Over the years, we have represented thousands of clients in a wide range of criminal cases. There is a good chance that we have dealt with your type of case and have represented clients who shared similar needs and concerns that you may have. Feel free to browse through the results section of our site for a representative sample of some of our past cases and the results we have achieved for our clients.

By taking the immediate action of hiring a criminal defense attorney to defend yourself, you are minimizing the chances that your criminal immigration case will have lasting consequences for your career, personal life, and reputation.

CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or simply take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.

FILL OUT INTAKE FORM

*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry in a timely and appropriate manner.

ALWAYS INVESTIGATE A LAWYER’S QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON HIRING A LAWYER IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY