Federal Alien Smuggling Defense Attorneys in Phoenix

Fighting for Clients Across Arizona Charged Under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 

Arizona is a hot bed for immigration crimes, which is why federal law enforcement is constantly on the lookout for prosecutable offenses. And given its role in cracking down on illegal immigration, the feds are extremely keen on arresting and prosecuting people who harbor and smuggle illegal aliens.

If you have been charged with alien smuggling or another federal immigration-related crime, the time to act is now. Federal alien smuggling charges put life-altering penalties and prison time on the table and demand the attention of skilled and experienced attorneys.  

At MayesTelles, we have decades of experience fighting for clients charged with serious federal crimes and immigration offenses. We’re backed by a team of award-winning defense attorneys, former prosecutors, and former law enforcement who know what’s at stake in federal cases, and how to fight back against the federal government. If you or your loved one were recently charged and arrested anywhere in Arizona, we’re ready to help. 

Call (602) 428-7104 or contact us online 24/7 to request a FREE and confidential consultation.

What is Federal Alien Smuggling?

Under federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1324), it’s a crime to bring in, transport, conceal, or harbor an immigrant when you know that person is an illegal “alien” or when you act in reckless disregard of their illegal immigration status. 

This offense is typically called “alien smuggling” and it was intended to prosecute the major players in illegal immigration rings, including “coyotes” who guide undocumented nationals across the U.S. border, drivers and assistants who transport illegal immigrants within the U.S., and the owners of safe houses who temporarily harbor illegal immigrants as they make their way to their destinations. 

However, the offense has components that can ensnare other people too. This includes the element of acting with the knowledge of or in reckless disregard to an alien’s illegal status and an element that also makes it illegal to “encourage or induce” an immigrant to enter or reside in the U.S.

These elements give the federal government broad authority to target more than just members of purported immigration rings and allows for charges to be brought against family members, employers, neighbors, or even those who give aid or humanitarian support to illegal immigrants. 

Penalties for Federal Alien Smuggling

Like other federal crimes, alien smuggling charges carry life-altering consequences and significant prison sentences. 

If you’ve been charged under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, you could face the following maximum penalties:

• Brining in or attempting to bring an illegal immigrant into the U.S. in any manner outside of a designated port of entry: 10 years
• Transporting, harboring, concealing, or encouraging an illegal alien within the U.S. (when done for financial gain): 10 years 
• Transporting, harboring, concealing, or encouraging an illegal alien within the U.S. (when not done for financial gain): 5 years 
• In cases involving serious injury or risk of death in commission of the crime: 20 years
• In cases involving in the death of any person: death penalty or life in prison. 

The sentence ultimately handed down by a federal court will depend on the circumstances and the federal sentencing guidelines. However, because the federal government is notorious for severe sentences and harsh mandatory minimums, the potential for considerable time behind bars remains regardless of what your case involves. 

There are also aggravating factors that can elevate potential sentences, such as:

• Crimes committed for financial gain (i.e. being paid by an illegal immigrant to bring them into the U.S., transport them, or house them)
• Placing the life of an illegal immigrant at risk, such as by placing them into the trunk of a vehicle or other dangerous places
• Threatening or coercing an illegal immigrant
• Possessing, brandishing, or discharging a firearm
• Illegal immigration for the purpose of prostitution
• Children or multiple illegal aliens are involved
• Prior convictions, including past immigration offenses and deportation

Given the serious penalties, anyone facing alien smuggling charges should immediately retain the counsel of a defense attorney who has experience with both federal criminal defense and immigration crimes, both of which are niche practices. At MayesTelles, our award-winning team is available 24/7 to help defendants and their families after they’ve been charged with serious federal immigration crimes. 

Defenses to Federal Alien Smuggling Charges

While the best way to identify a viable defense in your case is to have it evaluated personally by an attorney with experience handling these matters, there are some general strategies used in these matters to seek dismissals, reduced penalties, and more favorable sentences. Some examples include:

• Challenging law enforcement’s reasonable suspicion and probable cause for stopping, investigating, and arresting you.
• Challenging whether you had actual knowledge of an alien’s illegal immigration status or that you acted in reckless disregard of their illegal status. 
• Challenging the testimony / depositions of material witnesses.
• Challenging alleged conduct can result in sentencing enhancements (i.e. smuggling for profit, endangering the life of an alien, etc.).

Often, defenses against federal alien smuggling charges will focus on the “knowledge” element of the crime, as it can be difficult for the federal government to prove what a person knew about an alien’s illegal status or that someone can determine another’s immigration status based on their appearance. In some cases, it may also be possible for defendants to argue that they themselves were being smuggled or that, less commonly, the government cannot prove the aliens were illegal immigrants. 

Our attorneys at MayesTelles meticulously investigate clients’ cases to identify discrepancies in the government’s story and strategies for a viable defense. We are not afraid to take cases to trial, and we work diligently to explore meaningful ways for mitigating potential penalties. This may entail challenging alleged aggravating factors and sentencing enhancements, minimizing any criminal history issues, seeking participation in reduced sentencing programs, and employing other strategies to seek lower penalties and sentences.

Support for Related Immigration Crimes

Most foreign nationals arrested by law enforcement in Arizona are either returned to their country of origin or charged with misdemeanor illegal entry and sentenced to minimal terms of detention. Others, however, can face far more serious charges and penalties – particularly in cases where they are accused of harboring, smuggling, encouraging, or transporting illegal immigrants.

Our team MayesTelles has decades of collective experience representing clients facing serious federal crimes and immigration charges and is equipped with the insight to handle all types of cases related to alien smuggling. This includes:

• Illegal entry and deportation defense
• Illegal reentry (8 U.S.C. § 1326)
• Illegal hiring
• Marriage fraud
• Sex trafficking

Call For a FREE Consultation: (602) 428-7104

Immigration crimes are time-sensitive matters that demand the immediate involvement of a defense attorney – especially if they are being prosecuted by the federal government.

If you or someone you love has been charged with federal alien smuggling anywhere in Arizona, our attorneys at MayesTelles are available to immediately discuss your rights and options. For a FREE and confidential consultation with one of our Phoenix alien smuggling defense attorneys, call (602) 428-7104 or contact us online today.