Texas Immigration Crimes - When I represent undocumented persons who are accused of a crime in the United States, I am often asked by the accused or their family whether they can choose to be deported instead of having to go through a criminal case and potentially serving prison time. This question is understandable. When a person who has come to the United States without documentation is suddenly facing serious criminal charges for an immigration crime, the situation can create fear and anxiety, both for the accused person and for their loved ones. The accused person may be responsible for … [Read more...]
Federal Alien Smuggling Crime: Can They Charge Me Even If There Were No Undocumented Aliens With Me?
As a Dallas federal criminal defense lawyer, I handle alien smuggling cases all over the State of Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and Del Rio. One question clients sometimes ask is whether they can really be charged with alien smuggling if they were not found with any undocumented aliens. For example, if the accused was in a car that was stopped by the Border Patrol, but there were no aliens in the car, can they still be charged with smuggling or transporting aliens into the United States? The answer is, “yes,” if the facts indicate that you were involved you can be … [Read more...]
Federal Alien Smuggling Crime: Can You Be Charged With A Crime Even If Someone Else Brought and Transported Illegal Aliens Into The United States?
It is no secret that many people enter the United States illegally each year. Sometimes, they do so to try to escape violence and crime in their home country. Sometimes, they do so to try to find a better life. Sometimes, they do so to be reunited with family or loved ones who are already in the United States. It is very common for people who enter the United States illegally to pay for the services of people who offer to help them cross the border without being found, and transport them from the border to where they are going. If a person is caught helping people cross the border … [Read more...]
Your Rights in the 100-Mile Border Zone
The United States is a vast country. As Texans know, you can drive for 100 miles or more without even leaving the state. In Europe, driving that far is likely to carry you through several different countries. What many Americans don’t know, however, is that agents from Customs and Border Patrol have the right under federal law to search people along the border without a search warrant or probable cause. Furthermore, these “border” areas cover a lot more terrain than many people realize. In fact, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) points out that 2 out of 3 Americans live within a … [Read more...]
Dallas Immigration Crime Defense Lawyer Explains Kate’s Law
Kate's Law: What you need to know about how it would affect penalties for illegal reentry crimes by Dallas immigration crime defense lawyer John Helms. Kate's Law is a bill in Congress named after Kate Steinle, a young woman who was senselessly murdered in San Francisco by a man with a long and serious criminal history, who had been previously deported from the United States, and who had returned multiple times. Kate's Law has passed the House of Representatives, but it must also pass the Senate and be signed by the President in order to become law. It is expected to be difficult for the … [Read more...]
Dallas Criminal Lawyer Answers the Question “What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?”
John Helms, a Dallas criminal lawyer, is often asked the question “Do I need a criminal defense lawyer, an immigration lawyer, or both?” I am a criminal defense attorney. I am not an immigration lawyer, but I often handle criminal immigration cases. Confusing? It is for many people who contact me. This paper explains the differences. A criminal defense lawyer like me defends people who are accused of a crime. A crime is usually something that can result in jail time, or at least a fine. In order to prove someone guilty of a crime the government has to prove that they are guilty … [Read more...]
Dallas Criminal Immigration Attorney Weighs in on Trump Presidency
How a Donald Trump presidency might affect sentences for illegal reentry after deportation, explained by Dallas criminal immigration attorney John Helms. If you or a loved one has been charged with illegal reentry into the United States after a prior deportation, you are probably wondering what Donald Trump's election as President will mean for the sentence you or your loved one could receive if there is a conviction says John Helms Dallas criminal immigration attorney. After all, a key part of Mr. Trump's campaign has been hostility to those who come to the United States illegally. Does … [Read more...]
Do You Face Arrest Or Deportation Answers Immigration Criminal Lawyer John Helms
Illegal Reentry: Top immigration criminal lawyer John Helms explains why you could face criminal charges for being in the US illegally while others are deported Most of the time, if a person is found to be in the US illegally, they are deported, reports immigration criminal lawyer John Helms. This means that they are sent back to their country of origin. If they are from Mexico, they are usually sent back to the closest point of entry to where they entered. For example, if they came through Laredo, they are taken to Laredo and escorted across the border. Sometimes, though, the federal … [Read more...]
