Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ
If you are accused of bringing in and harboring aliens in Burlington County, you face serious federal charges under 8 U.S.C. § 1324. This statute makes it a felony to knowingly bring an undocumented person into the United States or to conceal, harbor, or shield them from detection.
Federal Law on Harboring and Smuggling
The primary federal statute criminalizing alien smuggling and harboring is 8 U.S.C. § 1324. This law prohibits several related acts, including bringing an undocumented noncitizen into the United States, transporting them within the country, concealing them, harboring them, or encouraging them to enter or remain illegally. The government must prove you acted knowingly or in reckless disregard of the person’s illegal status. Charges are typically filed in federal district court, not state court.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | U.S. Congress
Official Legal Resources
For the exact language of the federal harboring statute, you can review 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases in New Jersey, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey website.
Defense Strategies for Burlington County Cases
Defending against charges of bringing in and harboring aliens requires a detailed approach that challenges the prosecution’s case at every point. In the federal system, pre-trial motions to suppress evidence are often critical. A skilled alien smuggling defense lawyer Burlington County will examine whether law enforcement violated your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights during the investigation. We also scrutinize the government’s proof of your knowledge and intent, which are essential elements of the crime.
- Initial Case Review: We immediately obtain all discovery from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to analyze the evidence against you.
- Investigation: Our team conducts an independent investigation, which may involve interviewing witnesses and consulting professionals.
- Pre-Trial Motions: We file motions to challenge the legality of searches, seizures, or statements, seeking to have key evidence thrown out.
- Negotiation: We engage with prosecutors to explore possibilities for reduced charges or favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea is not in your best interest, we prepare a vigorous trial defense focused on creating reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing Advocacy: Should a conviction occur, we advocate forcefully at sentencing for the most lenient possible outcome under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Conviction
In Burlington County, a conviction for bringing in and harboring aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 is a federal felony with severe consequences that extend far beyond incarceration.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing in/Harboring (Basic) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 (per person) | Asset forfeiture, permanent felony record |
| Bringing in/Harboring (Serious Bodily Injury/Death) | Aggravated Federal Felony | 20 years to life | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory minimum sentences apply |
| Bringing in/Harboring (Commercial Purpose) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Forfeiture of vehicles/property used |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Immigration Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a focused approach to defending clients against serious federal charges like alien smuggling and harboring. We understand the high stakes and the technical interplay between immigration law and federal criminal procedure. Our team is prepared to build a defense that challenges the prosecution’s narrative and protects your future.
Legal Representation for Harboring Charges
When you need a harboring illegal immigrant lawyer Burlington County, you need counsel familiar with the federal system. Our attorneys analyze the specific facts of your case—whether it involves allegations of providing housing, employment, or transportation—to identify the strongest defense. We work to protect you from the severe penalties associated with these charges.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing federal charges in Burlington County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and I-295. If you need a bringing in and harboring aliens lawyer Burlington County near Mount Holly or the Burlington County Courthouse, we provide 24/7 phone consultations. We serve communities throughout the county including Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “harboring an illegal immigrant” mean under federal law?
It means knowingly concealing, harboring, or shielding an undocumented noncitizen from detection. This can include providing a place to live, a job, or transportation. The government must prove you knew the person was in the U.S. illegally.
Is hiring an undocumented worker considered harboring?
It can be. While employment verification violations are typically civil matters, knowingly employing an undocumented worker with the intent to conceal them from authorities can be prosecuted as a harboring offense under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, skilled to criminal charges.
What are the main defenses to an alien smuggling charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge that the person was undocumented, lack of intent to violate the law, entrapment by law enforcement, and challenging the legality of the evidence obtained against you (like an illegal search or seizure).
Can I be deported if I am convicted of harboring?
Yes. If you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction for bringing in and harboring aliens is an aggravated felony under immigration law. This makes you deportable and permanently ineligible for most forms of relief or future immigration benefits.
What court handles these cases in Burlington County?
Charges for bringing in and harboring aliens are federal crimes. They are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, which has jurisdiction over Burlington County.
Should I speak to investigators if I am contacted?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Burlington County business law and federal criminal defense in Burlington County. You can also learn about our work in neighboring areas like Camden County civil litigation.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding charges for bringing in and harboring aliens.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey bringing in and harboring aliens practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.