Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Lawyer Camden County — What Are Your Defenses?
Charges for bringing in and harboring aliens in Camden County are serious federal offenses under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, carrying severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense for individuals accused of alien smuggling or harboring in New Jersey.
Understanding the Law on Bringing in and Harboring Aliens
The federal statute prohibiting bringing in and harboring aliens, 8 U.S.C. § 1324, makes it a crime to knowingly bring an undocumented noncitizen into the United States, transport them within the country, or conceal, harbor, or shield them from detection. In Camden County, these cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The law targets actions that encourage or facilitate unlawful presence.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For local court procedures, refer to the Camden Vicinage of the New Jersey Superior Court.
Local Court Process for Harboring Cases in Camden County
Federal immigration charges like bringing in and harboring aliens typically originate from investigations by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). In Camden County, these cases are filed in federal court. The process is distinct from state criminal proceedings and involves federal prosecutors, judges, and sentencing guidelines. An alien smuggling defense lawyer Camden County can handle this complex system.
- Initial Investigation & Arrest: The case often begins with a federal investigation. You may be arrested by federal agents and have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. This is a critical stage for your defense strategy.
- Discovery & Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and may file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case or suppress evidence.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases are resolved through plea agreements. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the number of aliens involved and other factors.
- Appeals: You have the right to appeal a conviction or sentence to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Potential Penalties for Harboring Illegal Immigrants
In Camden County, convictions for bringing in and harboring aliens can result in decades of imprisonment, fines up to $250,000 per count, and forfeiture of assets used in the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing in/Harboring (General) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 | Asset forfeiture |
| Bringing in/Harboring (Causing Serious Bodily Injury) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | Mandatory minimums apply |
| Bringing in/Harboring (Resulting in Death) | Federal Felony | Any term of years or life | Up to $250,000 | Possible life sentence |
| Conspiracy to Commit Offense | Federal Felony | Same as underlying offense | Up to $250,000 | All conspirators liable |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in Immigration Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of federal immigration charges and build defenses focused on challenging the government’s evidence of knowledge and intent, which are key elements the prosecution must prove in a bringing in and harboring aliens case.
Legal Defense Strategies for Harboring Charges
Defending against charges of bringing in and harboring aliens requires a detailed analysis of the facts. Common defense arguments include lack of knowledge that the individual was undocumented, absence of intent to violate immigration law, and challenging the legality of the search or seizure that led to the evidence. A harboring illegal immigrant lawyer Camden County from our firm will investigate all aspects of your case to identify the strongest defense.
We examine whether your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation, if statements were coerced, and if the prosecution can prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, negotiating a plea to a lesser charge or advocating for a sentence below the federal guidelines may be the most prudent path.
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 at Camden County courts and is accessible via I-76, Route 30, and the NJ Turnpike. We are a bringing in and harboring aliens lawyer Camden County near Camden, Cherry Hill, and Gloucester Township. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve communities including Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Pennsauken, Winslow, Haddon Township, Berlin, and Lindenwold.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bringing in and Harboring Aliens
What does “harboring” an illegal immigrant mean under federal law?
It means knowingly concealing, harboring, or shielding an undocumented noncitizen from detection within the United States. This can include providing housing, transportation, or employment. The government must prove you knew the person was in the country unlawfully and took action to help them remain.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the person was undocumented?
No. Knowledge is a required element. A key defense is arguing you lacked actual knowledge of the individual’s immigration status. An alien smuggling defense lawyer Camden County will work to show the prosecution cannot prove this essential element beyond a reasonable doubt.
What are the defenses to a harboring charge?
Defenses include lack of knowledge, lack of intent, entrapment, and challenging the legality of the investigation (e.g., illegal search). Each case is fact-specific. A harboring illegal immigrant lawyer Camden County can evaluate whether evidence was obtained in violation of your Fourth or Fifth Amendment rights.
Is hiring an undocumented worker considered harboring?
It can be, if the employer knowingly employs the person to help them remain in the U.S. unlawfully. Mere employment, without proof of intent to evade immigration laws, may not be enough for a conviction, but it can lead to other severe penalties.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. Early intervention by a bringing in and harboring aliens lawyer Camden County can protect your rights and influence the direction of the case.
For more information, see our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Burlington County and Gloucester County. For other legal needs in Camden County, consider our federal criminal defense or contract law services.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding bringing in and harboring aliens.