If someone in the U.S. marries a person from another country for money or to help the person gain legal residence in the country, both individuals may be committing marriage fraud. You and your spouse may have committed marriage fraud unknowingly or may have been accused of it, despite your legitimate relationship.
In any case, you should have an Arlington marriage fraud lawyer from our firm defending you. Your criminal defense lawyer can help support your marriage and defend you against the charges. There’s a lot more your lawyer can do for you, and we’ll tell you more during a consultation with a member of our team.
What Is Marriage Fraud?
Marriage fraud in the U.S. involves an American citizen and a citizen of another country. The individuals may marry for financial reasons or so the foreign citizen can enter the U.S. If the alien enters the country, they can apply for a green card, which would allow them to live and potentially work in America permanently.
However, if the marriage is invalid or one or both spouses intend to deceive, both individuals may be charged with marriage fraud. This is a crime in which a couple has a fraudulent relationship or intends to deceive immigration officials.
What Should I Do If I’m Charged With Marriage Fraud?
If you and/or your spouse are being charged with marriage fraud, you may have to prove your marriage is valid and that you did not intend to deceive immigration officials. To accomplish this, you may have to show that:
- You did not attempt to deceive the immigration authorities.
- You did not falsify your marriage documents.
- You didn’t create a fake living arrangement to try to meet the requirements of marriage.
- You have a legitimate romantic relationship with your spouse and intend to build a life together.
Your marriage may be perfectly valid, and your intentions may have been good. Regardless, you may want assistance from an Arlington marriage fraud lawyer from our law firm. Your lawyer may be able to help you prove your case and validate your marriage.
What Are The Penalties For Marriage Fraud In Texas?
Since marriage fraud is a federal crime, the penalties can be severe. According to 8 USC §1325, one or both spouses may face up to five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
The foreign citizen may also have to forfeit their current status in the U.S. They may even be deported back to their native country and banned from acquiring citizenship in the U.S. in the future. They could face additional penalties, as well.
How An Arlington Marriage Fraud Lawyer Can Help
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) investigates all marriages between American citizens and aliens. Unfortunately, since so many investigations occur, and a legitimate marriage may be difficult to prove, some people may be charged with a crime they didn’t commit and suffer penalties they may not deserve.
An Arlington marriage fraud attorney from our law firm may be able to protect you and your spouse from a marriage fraud charge and the penalties that come with it. Alternatively, your lawyer may be able to relieve certain penalties. Your lawyer may:
- Help you show you did not try to misrepresent yourself and your spouse and deceive the immigration authorities
- Show a relationship between you and your spouse existed before the marriage
- Gather your marriage documents and prove you did not falsify them
- Prove you have a valid marriage license
- Present evidence that you cohabitate with your spouse
- Refute any evidence against you and your spouse
- Refer to witnesses, such as family and friends, for their testimonies
- Protect your legal rights
- Ensure your marriage satisfies all of the USCIS’s requirements
- Validate and secure your marriage once and for all
You May Struggle Without An Attorney
Without legal representation and protection, you and your spouse may struggle to defend yourselves. For example, you may have difficulty answering questions appropriately and accurately during interviews with immigration agents.
An official will interview you and your spouse separately, but with an attorney present, you won’t be alone. Your Arlington marriage fraud defense attorney can help ensure you don’t misrepresent yourselves and the agents don’t misconstrue anything you tell them.
Learn More About Our Marriage Fraud Lawyers In Arlington
Our firm provides criminal defense services for Texas citizens and their spouses. Our attorneys believe each client deserves dignified representation, so you and your spouse can count on receiving that from your attorney.
Randy Isenberg, our lead criminal defense attorney in Arlington, is a former prosecutor and state district judge. He has over 30 years of experience representing people like you. He has been certified as a Criminal Defense Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and recognized with numerous awards.
You can be confident Randy and his legal team can represent you, your spouse, and your marriage.
Our Client Testimonials Speak For Themselves
If you’re unsure whether our law firm is the right choice for you, take a look at some of our client testimonials that show the kind of care and attention we give our clients:
“Simply the best criminal defense lawyer in Texas! We hired him to represent our family on a felony case that not only could have had my father behind bars for the rest of his life but could [have] taken the most vital member of our family from us. From day one he guided us, advised us and walked with us until the very end. He was genuine and cared for our family’s well being and always represented us having our best interest at heart. He had the charges dropped to a lower offense and after probationary compliance the case was dismissed returning our peace. I can honestly say my family is happy and together today because of this man and his caring and amazing team. Everyone cares and works hard to get justice done at this firm– always responsive and diligent with his clients.” -Nuria
“Randy is the real deal. On a bogus case, my previous attorney told me I didn’t have any option other than accepting whatever the court offered me. That seemed ridiculous to me on a case that had no merit, so I contacted Randy. He and his team had the case dismissed almost immediately. He’s a true professional and an asset to the legal community. The system has gone crazy, and Randy can help you. Give him a call.” -Brandon
“Thank you for all your hard work! Best law firm in DFW! Highly recommend!” -Renee
Get Help From An Arlington Marriage Fraud Attorney Today
Our firm, the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, can provide you with a marriage fraud attorney near you, and you can count on your attorney to represent you and your spouse to the best of their ability. During a free consultation, we’ll tell you more about what your Arlington marriage fraud attorney will do for you.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
