Bringing In And Harboring Aliens Lawyer Virginia — What Are Your Federal Defense Options?
Bringing in and harboring aliens is a serious federal felony under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Virginia. Conviction can lead to decades in federal prison, massive fines, and forfeiture of assets. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need a criminal attorney with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Federal Statute for Bringing In And Harboring Aliens
The federal crime of bringing in and harboring aliens is defined under Title 8, Section 1324 of the United States Code. This law makes it illegal to bring an alien into the United States, transport an alien within the country, conceal an alien, or harbor an alien from detection, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the alien is in the country illegally. The statute is aggressively enforced in Virginia by federal agencies like ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Courts for the Eastern & Western Districts of Virginia | United States Code.
Official Federal Resources
For the official text of the federal statute, see 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (Cornell Legal Information Institute). For information on federal court procedures in Virginia, visit the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia website.
Virginia Federal Court Process for Harboring Charges
Federal prosecutions in Virginia for bringing in and harboring aliens follow a strict procedural path. The case begins with an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or ICE, often involving surveillance, financial records, and interviews. A federal indictment from a grand jury formally initiates charges. The case is then heard in either the Eastern District (Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk) or Western District (Roanoke, Charlottesville) of Virginia. The federal sentencing guidelines heavily influence potential penalties, making early strategic defense critical.
- Initial Investigation & Contact: You may be contacted by HSI agents for an interview. Do not speak to them without your criminal defense lawyer present.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The U.S. Attorney presents evidence to a secret grand jury. If indicted, you will be arrested or summoned to appear.
- Arraignment & Plea: You will be formally charged in federal court and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your defense lawyer files motions to challenge evidence and obtains all prosecution materials to build your defense.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases end in a plea agreement. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines after a pre-sentence investigation report.
Penalties for Violating 8 U.S.C. § 1324
In Virginia federal courts, bringing in and harboring aliens carries severe penalties, including long prison terms, fines up to $250,000 per count, and criminal forfeiture of any property used to facilitate the crime.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bringing in/Harboring Aliens | Federal Felony | Up to 10 years per alien (basic); 3-10 years mandatory if for commercial advantage; up to 20 years if serious bodily injury; life if death results. | Up to $250,000 per count (individual) | Asset forfeiture, deportation of involved aliens, permanent criminal record. |
| Conspiracy to Commit Offense | Federal Felony (18 U.S.C. § 371) | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Holds all conspirators liable for acts of others. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the immense pressure of a federal investigation. Our approach involves immediate action to protect your rights, a meticulous review of all government evidence, and developing a defense strategy aimed at the best possible resolution, whether that is case dismissal, charge reduction, or mitigating sentencing factors.
Case Results for Federal Charges
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in federal courts. While every case is unique, our strategic approach focuses on challenging the government’s evidence on intent and knowledge, which are key elements of a § 1324 charge. We have successfully negotiated for reduced charges and advocated for lower sentencing ranges. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Of Counsel attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, provides additional depth to our federal defense team.
Federal Defense Lawyer Serving Virginia
Facing federal charges requires a lawyer who knows the system. Our attorneys are familiar with the procedures of both the Eastern and Western District federal courts in Virginia. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings available by appointment only at our Virginia locations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Court
Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
FAQs: 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. The government must prove you knew or recklessly disregarded their illegal status.
Can I go to jail just for letting someone stay in my home?
It depends. If you knowingly provided shelter to someone you knew was in the country illegally, you could be charged. A strong criminal charges defense often focuses on challenging the government’s proof of your knowledge. An experienced criminal court lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your situation.
What are the best defenses to a § 1324 charge?
Common defenses include lack of knowledge of the person’s immigration status, challenging the evidence of “bringing in” or transportation, asserting duress or necessity, and challenging the legality of the investigation (e.g., illegal search). A skilled defense lawyer will identify the strongest arguments for your case.
Is this charge a felony?
Yes. Violating 8 U.S.C. § 1324 is a federal felony. A conviction results in a permanent felony record, which carries long-term consequences beyond prison time, affecting employment, professional licenses, and immigration status.
Why do I need a lawyer familiar with federal court?
Federal criminal procedure and sentencing are vastly different from state court. The rules are strict, and the penalties are severe. A criminal attorney with federal experience understands how to handle pre-trial motions, negotiate with federal prosecutors (AUSAs), and advocate within the Federal Sentencing Guidelines framework.
For more on federal defense, see our Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. For related state charges, see our Virginia Criminal Lawyer page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Federal laws and procedures are subject to change. The information provided is for general reference and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for case-specific guidance.
A bringing in and harboring aliens case is one part of immigration offences work, and our page on encouraging or inducing an alien lawyer Virginia covers the wider process.