Illegal Re-entry After Deportation lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

A federal illegal re‑entry after deportation charge in Prince George’s County is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, often in the Greenbelt Division. The government brings these cases under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, and a conviction can mean imprisonment, supervised release, and permanent immigration consequences. Because there is no parole in the federal system and federal prosecutors pursue these cases actively, the stakes are high from the moment you learn you are under investigation. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s federal criminal defense work in Maryland. Our Maryland location serves individuals throughout Prince George’s County—from Upper Marlboro and Bowie to College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Fort Washington, and the surrounding communities. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation in a private consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Illegal Re‑entry After Deportation Means in Prince George’s County

A charge of illegal re‑entry after deportation arises when the government alleges that a person who was previously deported, removed, or denied admission later re‑entered or was found in the United States without authorization. The governing statute is 8 U.S.C. § 1326, and prosecutions move through the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. For cases arising in Prince George’s County, the operative courthouse is the Greenbelt Division at 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, in coordination with federal investigative agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations, builds these cases from administrative records, witness statements, and the defendant’s own statements.

Because Prince George’s County borders Washington, D.C., and sits at the intersection of major transportation corridors—I‑495, I‑95, Route 301, the Green Line Metro, and the MARC Camden Line—many federal immigration-related arrests occur within the county. Individuals who are taken into custody locally soon appear before a federal magistrate judge in Greenbelt for an initial appearance, where bond and the conditions of release are addressed. From that point, the case proceeds through preliminary and pretrial stages governed by federal rules and the Speedy Trial Act. An experienced defense lawyer can explain the charges early in the process, evaluate the government’s evidence of the prior deportation and the current status, and develop a strategy tailored to the facts of the individual case.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Illegal Re‑entry After Deportation Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys take a thorough, methodical approach from the moment a person contacts the firm. The first step is a careful review of the charging documents, the alleged immigration history, and any evidence the government has provided. The defense looks closely at the legal validity of the prior deportation order—including whether the individual had a meaningful opportunity to challenge removal—and at whether the government can prove that the person was “found in” the United States and had not obtained advance consent to re‑apply for admission.

Once the defense team understands the strengths and weaknesses of the government’s case, it may engage in pretrial motion practice to challenge the admissibility of evidence or to seek dismissal of the indictment on legal grounds. At the same time, the attorneys explore whether avenues for a negotiated resolution exist, including discussions with the Assistant U.S. Attorney about the applicability of any mitigating factors, fast‑track dispositions, or cooperation agreements. If the case proceeds to trial, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare thoroughly, examining the government’s witnesses, cross‑examining immigration agents and records custodians, and presenting any exculpatory evidence. At the sentencing phase, the defense advocates for a sentence at or below the applicable Federal Sentencing Guidelines range, highlighting the individual’s personal history, family circumstances, and the collateral immigration consequences that will follow any term of imprisonment. Throughout the process, the firm focuses on keeping the client informed and on protecting the client’s rights.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he has concentrated his practice on criminal defense, including federal matters, for the entirety of his career. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He brings that institutional perspective to every federal criminal case, guiding the defense with a detailed understanding of how the government builds its prosecutions.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work alongside Mr. Sris on federal illegal re‑entry matters. These Of Counsel lawyers include counsel with prosecutorial experience who understand federal charging decisions, plea negotiations, and courtroom dynamics from both sides of the aisle. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to the representation of individuals facing federal charges in Maryland. They appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and serve clients from the firm’s Maryland location—by appointment—throughout Prince George’s County and beyond. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is illegal re‑entry after deportation under federal law?

Illegal re‑entry after deportation is a federal crime under 8 U.S.C. § 1326 that makes it unlawful for a person who was previously deported, removed, or denied admission to re‑enter, attempt to re‑enter, or be found in the United States without the Attorney General’s express consent. The government must prove the defendant’s alienage, a prior deportation order, and that the defendant thereafter re‑entered or was found in the country. A conviction can lead to a term of imprisonment, a period of supervised release, and a further immigration removal proceeding.

What are the potential penalties for an illegal re‑entry conviction?

The sentence for illegal re‑entry after deportation is determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the specific facts of the case, including the defendant’s criminal history and the circumstances of the prior removal. A felony conviction can result in imprisonment of up to two years for a basic first offense, but significantly longer sentences—up to ten or twenty years—may apply if the prior removal followed certain aggravated felony convictions. The court also typically imposes a term of supervised release following imprisonment.

How can a defense attorney challenge an illegal re‑entry charge?

A defense lawyer can challenge the charge by examining the validity of the prior deportation order, contesting whether the government can prove each element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and raising procedural or constitutional objections. Common defense avenues include arguing that the prior removal proceeding was fundamentally unfair, that the defendant had derivative citizenship at the time of re‑entry, or that the government cannot establish that the individual voluntarily re‑entered. An experienced attorney examines the government’s evidence and formulates a strategy based on the unique facts of the case.

What should I do if I am charged with illegal re‑entry after deportation?

If you are facing a federal illegal re‑entry charge, you should exercise your right to remain silent, ask to speak with an attorney, and refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Preserve any documents you have related to your immigration history, prior criminal matters, and the circumstances of your return to the United States. Promptly contacting a defense attorney helps ensure that your legal rights are protected from the earliest stages, including at the initial court appearance.

Do I need to hire a lawyer for an illegal re‑entry case in Prince George’s County?

While you are not legally required to hire a private attorney, federal prosecution for illegal re‑entry carries serious consequences, and having an experienced lawyer can help you understand the charges and build a defense. A defendant in federal court may be appointed a federal public defender if they cannot afford counsel, but private defense counsel can devote significant time to pretrial investigation, motion practice, and discussions with the prosecutor. For many individuals, the individual case review and continuity that private counsel provides is worth the investment.

How do I find a lawyer who handles illegal re‑entry cases in Prince George’s County?

You can find a federal criminal defense lawyer by contacting a firm with demonstrated experience in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and a focus on federal immigration‑related offenses. Look for an attorney who practices in federal court, who can explain the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and who can offer a clear plan for your defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals facing these charges and provides confidential consultations by appointment. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747.

Official sources: U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | U.S. Attorney’s Office — District of Maryland | U.S. Sentencing Commission

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