Bringing in and Harboring Aliens lawyer St. Mary’s County, MD

A federal charge of bringing in and harboring aliens—prosecuted under the Immigration and Nationality Act—can alter the course of your life. In St. Mary’s County, Maryland, these cases are handled in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where the U.S. Attorney’s Office pursues charges with the full resources of the federal government. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor and Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., leads the firm’s federal criminal defense practice, and together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represents individuals facing these serious allegations throughout Southern Maryland, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, and the broader St. Mary’s community. Our firm has practiced since 1997, and we understand what is at stake when federal agents investigate or bring charges. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What a Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Charge Means in St. Mary’s County

Under 8 U.S.C. § 1324, it is a federal crime to knowingly bring an alien into the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry, or to transport, harbor, or shield an alien from detection, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the alien entered or remains in the country unlawfully. In St. Mary’s County, these charges often arise from investigations by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) or the FBI, and they are prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Baltimore or Greenbelt divisions of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

St. Mary’s County, located in Maryland’s southernmost region along the Chesapeake Bay, is home to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station and a diverse population. Because of the county’s geography and its proximity to major transportation corridors like Route 5 and Route 235, federal authorities may initiate immigration-related enforcement actions that lead to the arrest of individuals accused of bringing in or harboring aliens. Whether the investigation targets an employer, a landlord, a family member, or a member of the community, the consequences of a conviction are severe: imprisonment, heavy fines, and for noncitizens, removal (deportation) proceedings.

The federal criminal process moves differently from state court. After an arrest in St. Mary’s County, a defendant typically appears before a federal magistrate judge in Baltimore or Greenbelt for an initial appearance and, if detained, a detention hearing. The case proceeds under the Federal Speedy Trial Act and the United States Sentencing Guidelines. There is no parole in the federal system. Having an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who understands the local practices of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland is essential from the very beginning.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Bringing in and Harboring Aliens Cases

When Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. takes on a bringing-in-and-harboring-aliens case, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by conducting a thorough review of the government’s evidence. Federal investigations often rely on surveillance, witness statements, financial records, and charging documents. Our defense team examines every element of the government’s case: Was the defendant aware of the alien’s immigration status? Did the defendant act with reckless disregard? Were there any constitutional violations during the investigation or arrest?

Many of these cases involve complex fact patterns. For example, a person may be charged with harboring because they provided housing or employment to someone they did not know was in the country without authorization. Other cases may involve charges of smuggling or transporting an alien for financial gain. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge the admissibility of evidence when appropriate, and negotiate with federal prosecutors toward a resolution that protects the client’s interests. If trial is necessary, Mr. Sris—a former prosecutor—brings firsthand understanding of how federal prosecutors build their cases and present them to a jury.

Throughout the process, the defense team handles pretrial motions, engages in discovery, and advises the client on the potential consequences of a plea versus a trial. Because federal sentencing guidelines can result in lengthy incarceration, the firm’s approach includes developing a thorough sentencing mitigation strategy from the earliest stages of the case. The goal is to pursue favorable outcomes under the circumstances, whether that means a dismissal, a reduction of charges, a favorable plea agreement, or a not-guilty verdict at trial.

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

Mr. Sris, the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he possesses a unique insight into the strategies employed by the government in federal criminal prosecutions. He has extensive experience handling federal matters in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and regularly appears in the Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). In every case he handles, he brings focused attention and a deep commitment to protecting his clients’ rights.

The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys add valuable courtroom experience and perspective to the defense team. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to bear on each federal criminal matter. Results may vary. Every client benefits from a multi‑faceted approach that addresses both the immediate charges and the long‑term consequences of a federal conviction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bringing in and harboring aliens under federal law?

Bringing in and harboring aliens is a federal crime under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 that makes it illegal to knowingly transport, harbor, or encourage an unlawfully present noncitizen to enter or remain in the United States. The statute covers a range of conduct, from smuggling someone across the border to renting a room to a person known to lack lawful status. Federal prosecutors must prove that the defendant knew or recklessly disregarded the alien’s immigration status. The law also prohibits inducing or encouraging an alien to come to or reside in the U.S. In violation of the law. Because the statute is broad, defensive strategies often focus on the defendant’s knowledge and intent.

What are the potential consequences of a conviction for bringing in and harboring aliens?

A conviction under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 can result in significant imprisonment, fines, and for noncitizens, deportation. The specific sentence depends on the circumstances of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the application of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. When the offense was committed for financial gain, or when it involved serious bodily injury or endangerment of life, the penalties increase substantially. In the federal system, there is no parole, and a defendant must serve the majority of the sentence imposed. Additionally, a conviction may affect professional licenses, employment opportunities, and the ability to travel internationally.

How does a federal bringing-in-and-harboring-aliens case proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland?

After an arrest, the defendant appears before a federal magistrate judge in Baltimore or Greenbelt for an initial appearance, where charges are read and bail is considered. If detained, a detention hearing follows. The government then presents the case to a grand jury, which returns an indictment. The case proceeds through pretrial motions, discovery, and plea negotiations. If no plea agreement is reached, the case goes to trial before a district judge or a jury. Sentencing occurs under the advisory federal sentencing guidelines. The timeline varies depending on case complexity, but defendants should act quickly to secure experienced counsel.

What should I do if I am under investigation for bringing in or harboring aliens in Southern Maryland?

If you suspect you are under federal investigation, contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately and do not speak to law enforcement without counsel. Federal agents may attempt to interview you before making an arrest; anything you say can be used against you. Preserve any relevant documents, but do not destroy or alter records, as that could lead to additional charges such as obstruction of justice. A lawyer can evaluate the evidence, communicate with investigators on your behalf, and help you make informed decisions about responding to a subpoena or search warrant.

Can a lawyer help me even if I believe the evidence against me is strong?

Yes, an attorney can identify legal and factual issues that may lead to reduced charges, dismissal of certain counts, or a more favorable outcome at sentencing. Even in cases where the evidence appears solid, an experienced defense lawyer may uncover constitutional violations in the investigation, weaknesses in the chain of custody, or mitigating circumstances that the prosecution must consider. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect clients’ rights at every stage, from investigation through sentencing. Early involvement by counsel can make a meaningful difference in the direction of a case.

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Last reviewed: July 2026

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