Bringing In And Harboring Aliens Lawyer in Roanoke County, Virginia
Federal charges for bringing in and harboring aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 are serious felonies prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia. A conviction can lead to decades in federal prison, substantial fines, and deportation consequences. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need a defense lawyer with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Western District of Virginia, Roanoke Division | Virginia General Assembly
Federal Law on Bringing In And Harboring Aliens
The crime of bringing in and harboring aliens is defined under federal statute 8 U.S.C. § 1324. It makes it illegal to bring an alien into the United States, transport them within the country, conceal them, harbor them, or encourage them to enter, all while knowing the alien is in the country illegally. The law targets smuggling operations and those who shield undocumented individuals from detection. Prosecutions for these offenses are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, which includes Roanoke County. These are not state charges handled in local courts; they are federal crimes with severe penalties.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal statute, see 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (U.S. Code). For information on the federal court handling these cases in Roanoke, visit the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia website.
Local Federal Court Process in Roanoke County
Charges for bringing in and harboring aliens in Roanoke County are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Roanoke Division. The process begins with a federal investigation, often by ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or the FBI. Unlike state cases, a federal grand jury must issue an indictment before formal charges are filed. The case then proceeds through arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially a jury trial. Given the complexity of federal evidence and procedure, having a criminal court lawyer familiar with this specific court is critical.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may conduct surveillance, execute search warrants, and interview witnesses before any arrest.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: After arrest, you will appear before a federal magistrate judge for an initial hearing where charges are read and bail conditions are set.
- Indictment: A grand jury reviews the evidence. If they find probable cause, they issue a formal indictment.
- Arraignment: You enter a plea of guilty or not guilty to the indictment in federal district court.
- Pre-Trial & Discovery: Your attorney will review all evidence, file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case, and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
- Trial or Resolution: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for Harboring Aliens
In the Western District of Virginia, a conviction for bringing in and harboring aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 carries severe mandatory penalties, especially if the crime involved serious bodily injury, placed a life in jeopardy, or resulted in death.
| Violation | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing in/Harboring | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of assets |
| Involving Serious Bodily Injury or Life Jeopardy | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory minimums apply |
| Resulting in Death | Federal Felony | Any term of years or life | Up to $250,000 | Possible death penalty |
| Conspiracy to Commit | Federal Felony | Same as underlying crime | Up to $250,000 | Broad evidence rules |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. We understand that federal charges for bringing in and harboring aliens require a defense strategy that challenges the government’s evidence on multiple fronts, from the legality of the investigation to the specifics of the statute.
Case Results & Client Defense
While every case is unique, our firm-wide approach to federal criminal charges defense is thorough and aggressive. We meticulously analyze the government’s case, file substantive pre-trial motions, and prepare for trial. For instance, in past federal matters, our defense work has focused on challenging the element of “knowledge” required by the statute and negotiating for reduced charges where appropriate. Our secondary attorney on federal cases, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into complex case preparation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Federal Defense Lawyer Near Roanoke County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing federal charges in Roanoke County. We are accessible via I-81 and represent individuals in Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba. We are a federal criminal defense lawyer near you.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs on Bringing In And Harboring Aliens Charges
What does “harboring an alien” mean under federal law?
It means knowingly concealing, harboring, or shielding an undocumented non-citizen from detection within the United States. This can include providing housing, transportation, or employment.
Is hiring an undocumented worker considered harboring?
It depends. While employing an undocumented worker violates other laws, to be guilty of harboring under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, the prosecution must prove you acted with the specific intent to shield that person from detection by authorities. Mere employment, without more, may not meet this high legal standard, but it can be used as evidence of harboring.
What are the best defenses to a § 1324 charge?
A strong criminal attorney will explore defenses like lack of knowledge that the person was in the country illegally, challenging the legality of the search or arrest that uncovered the evidence, or proving the actions were taken for humanitarian reasons and not for financial gain.
Can I be deported if I’m convicted of harboring?
Yes. A conviction for a federal immigration crime like harboring is a deportable offense for non-U.S. citizens. It can also permanently bar you from obtaining legal status or citizenship in the future.
Why do I need a federal lawyer and not just a local criminal attorney?
Federal courts have completely different rules, procedures, and sentencing guidelines than Virginia state courts. A defense lawyer specializing in federal practice understands the strategies needed to negotiate with U.S. Attorneys, handle the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and present cases to federal juries.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal charges, you may need a Federal Criminal Lawyer in Roanoke County. For related state-level issues, consider a Roanoke County Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Other Localities We Serve: Our federal defense practice also assists clients in Augusta County and Albemarle County.
Back to Overview: Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
If you want to see how a Roanoke County case fits into the wider process, our page on bringing in and harboring aliens lawyer Virginia covers it from start to finish.