Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Lawyer Prince George’s County — Federal Defense
Federal charges for bringing in and harboring aliens in Prince George’s County, MD, are prosecuted under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, a serious felony carrying up to 10 years in prison per count. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for individuals and businesses facing these complex federal immigration crimes. Our team understands the severe penalties and works to protect your rights and future.
Federal Statute for Harboring Illegal Immigrants
The federal crime of bringing in and harboring aliens is defined under Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. This statute makes it illegal to knowingly bring an alien into the United States, transport them within the country, conceal them, harbor them, or encourage them to enter or remain in violation of law. The law targets those who act for financial gain or in reckless disregard of the alien’s illegal status. Charges are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Greenbelt Division, which handles federal cases for Prince George’s County.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the federal harboring statute, see 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on the federal court handling these cases, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland website.
Local Federal Court Process for Harboring Charges
In Prince George’s County, federal harboring cases are investigated by agencies like ICE-HSI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The process is distinct from state court. An experienced alien smuggling defense lawyer Prince George’s County understands that these cases often involve complex evidence, including financial records and communications. The key is early intervention to challenge the government’s proof of knowledge and intent.
- Initial Contact & Investigation: Federal agents (ICE, HSI) may execute search warrants, conduct interviews, and subpoena records. Do not speak to agents without an attorney.
- Indictment & Arraignment: A federal grand jury issues an indictment. You will be arraigned in U.S. District Court, where charges are formally read and a plea is entered.
- Discovery & Pretrial Motions: Your defense attorney reviews all government evidence and files motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss charges.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The U.S. Attorney may offer a plea deal. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows federal guidelines, which consider the number of aliens, financial gain, and other factors.
Penalties for Harboring Illegal Immigrants
In Prince George’s County, a conviction for bringing in and harboring aliens under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 can result in decades of federal imprisonment, massive fines, and asset forfeiture.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing in/Harboring Aliens (General) | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Forfeiture of assets used |
| Bringing in/Harboring for Commercial Advantage | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $500,000 (organization) | Mandatory minimum sentences may apply |
| Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Placing Life in Jeopardy | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Varies | Enhanced penalties |
| Resulting in Death | Federal Felony | Any term of years up to life | Varies | Potential life sentence |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Immigration Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a deep understanding of both immigration law and federal criminal defense to cases involving bringing in and harboring aliens. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, providing strategic insight into government tactics. We approach each case by meticulously analyzing the evidence to challenge the core element of “knowledge” required for conviction.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While every case is unique, our systematic approach focuses on securing dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea agreements. We actively defend clients in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Prince George’s County Federal Defense Lawyer Near You
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
By appointment only.
Our Maryland office serves clients facing federal charges in Prince George’s County. We are accessible via major routes like I-495 and I-95. We provide representation for individuals and businesses in communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Defense
What does “harboring an illegal immigrant” mean under federal law?
It means knowingly concealing, harboring, or shielding an alien from detection in any place, including a building, with the knowledge that the alien entered or remains in the U.S. illegally. This can include providing housing, employment, or transportation.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know the person was in the country illegally?
No, knowledge is a required element. A harboring illegal immigrant lawyer Prince George’s County will focus your defense on challenging the prosecution’s evidence that you knowingly acted. Mere suspicion or negligence is not enough for a federal conviction under 8 U.S.C. § 1324.
What are the defenses to a harboring charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the individual’s illegal status, absence of any concealment or harboring act, entrapment by government agents, and violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation (like illegal search and seizure).
Is hiring an undocumented worker considered harboring?
It can be. Employment that supports an alien remaining in the U.S. illegally may be construed as harboring, especially if it involves concealment or knowing encouragement to remain unlawfully. The specific facts are critical.
What should I do if I’m contacted by ICE or federal agents?
Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to speak with an attorney. Do not consent to any searches. Immediately contact a lawyer experienced in federal immigration crimes. Anything you say can be used against you.
For more information on related defenses, see our pages on Criminal Defense in Prince George’s County and Maryland Federal Criminal Lawyer. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.