What types of immigration fraud cases do you handle?
An attorney can handle any type of immigration fraud charges you might be facing in St. Petersburg, and we accept cases at any stage of the criminal process. Call us if you have been arrested, charged, or called in for questioning. You can even call us if you think that you may be charged with fraud so we can get started on your case early. Some of the types of immigration fraud cases we handle include the following.
- Falsifying documents
- Lying on immigration forms
- Lying about your immigration status
- Lying to help get someone else into the country
- Entering into a marriage for immigration purposes
What Penalties Could I Face if Convicted?
The U.S. has harsh penalties attached to immigration fraud. If convicted, you may face deportation and may be barred from reentry to the U.S. Moreover, you may face prison time and fines. Therefore, it’s important to seek out a lawyer in St. Petersburg who has experience in immigration fraud cases.
Per 18 U.S. Code § 1546(a), those convicted of the following offenses may face fines as well as up to 15 years in prison:
- Possessing equipment to produce such documents
- Making false statements on an application, affidavit, or other document required under immigration law
- Personating another individual or appearing under a fictitious name when applying for a visa, permit, or other documents
- Forging, counterfeiting, altering, or falsely making immigrant or non-immigrant visas, permits, border crossing cards, alien registration receipt cards, or other immigration documents
If immigration and law enforcement determines that the fraud was in support of international terrorism, the defendant could face up to 25 years in prison. If they determine the fraud was related to drug trafficking, the defendant could face up to 20 years in prison.
Another example of immigration fraud is in regards to sham marriages that are solely for the purposes of immigration. I.N.A. Section 275(c) provides: “An individual who knowingly enters into a marriage for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined not more than $250,000, or both.”
Speak with an Immigration Fraud Attorney in St. Petersburg Today
Immigration fraud is serious; do not trust your freedom to chance. Call a St. Petersburg immigration fraud lawyer at Goldman Wetzel if you are facing charges to get help with your case. We know how important your immigration status and freedom are, and we will work diligently on your behalf to build your defense. Contact us as soon as you are able to schedule a consultation.