Marriage fraud is a federal crime that can result in prison time and fines. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USCIS) takes the issue seriously. When a marriage occurs between a non-U.S. citizen and a U.S. citizen solely to bypass immigration laws, the couple may be convicted of marriage fraud.
If you are facing charges of marriage fraud, getting help from a criminal defense attorney may make all the difference in your case. A Waxahachie marriage fraud lawyer from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is ready to help you build your case.
Defining Marriage Fraud
Marriage fraud can involve any non-U.S. citizen from any country. When a couple marries strictly for immigration benefits, it can constitute marriage fraud. For example, a non-U.S. citizen might marry a U.S. citizen to get a green card. In marriage fraud cases, the couple often has no intention of starting a meaningful life together. Instead, the entire relationship is a sham.
Sometimes, both members know they are committing a crime and agree to marry for personal gain. For example, a U.S. citizen might receive payment or marry a foreign national as a favor. Other times, an alien might deceive a U.S. citizen into thinking their marriage is legitimate when, from the alien’s point of view, it’s only for immigration benefits.
The exact circumstances of marriage fraud are different in each case. For example, someone could enter the U.S. on a tourist visa and later marry to become eligible for a green card.
Reasons The Government May Suspect Marriage Fraud
When someone applies for a green card because they are married to a U.S. citizen, USCIS is on alert for actions that may indicate marriage fraud, such as:
- The couple doesn’t live together.
- They do not have documents indicating a shared life together, such as tax forms, bills, or joint bank accounts.
- The couple provides conflicting information during the interview process, or they do not seem to know each other very well.
- There are drastic differences between the couple, such as a language barrier or significant age difference.
To avoid suspicion of marriage fraud, you must be as honest and complete as possible with the information you provide to USCIS. You may also face an investigation of marriage fraud if someone reported you via the USCIS tip form, which allows people to report potentially fraudulent activity.
How Severe Are The Penalties If I am Convicted Of Marriage Fraud?
Marriage fraud is a federal crime that may result in up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you may also face deportation if you are convicted of marriage fraud.
Often, other crimes are also connected to marriage fraud. You may face additional criminal charges depending on your situation. For example, you could also be charged with conspiracy or making false statements. Your exact punishment will depend on your unique circumstances and can also be impacted by the strength of your legal defense.
If people assisted you in committing marriage fraud, such as setting up the marriage or falsifying documents, they could also face criminal charges. We strongly suggest you start working with a Waxahachie marriage fraud attorney as soon as possible if you are facing marriage fraud charges.
How Can A Waxahachie Marriage Fraud Lawyer Assist Me With My Case?
Our Waxahachie marriage fraud lawyers are experienced in cases like yours. Your marriage fraud attorney will represent you in all the legal proceedings related to your case. Finding the right marriage fraud attorney in Waxahachie can impact your case’s proceedings and outcome.
Your attorney will review the specifics of what happened to help determine your best defense and strategy. For example, in some instances, you may choose to plead not guilty. In this situation, your Waxahachie marriage fraud attorney will work to present the evidence of your innocence to the court.
In other instances, your attorney may try to reduce your sentence or get specific charges dropped. Your attorney will work to offer you the best defense and advice possible and keep you updated about your case from start to finish.
You can understand more about your attorney’s role during your initial consultation.
Our Waxahachie Marriage Fraud Attorneys Work Hard For Our Clients
We bring over 30 years of experience to our work in criminal defense. We fight for our clients and build cases based on evidence. Here are some testimonials our clients have left us after working with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg:
“Straight talk. Real go getter. Master negotiator. Mr. Isenberg and his associates handled my difficult case with the utmost professionalism in a more than reasonable amount of time. Can’t say enough [about] Randy and his team. Thank you all so much.” -John
“When my friend got in trouble, I recommended Randall Isenberg, knowing that he would be a great choice. What I did not realize was just how much of a personal interest he would take, not only helping navigate the legal process but also providing a moral compass for my good friend. I would recommend him to anyone, with no hesitation.” -David
Begin Your Marriage Fraud Case Today With A Free Consultation
If you are facing marriage fraud charges in Waxahachie, you deserve to receive guidance and assistance from a criminal defense lawyer. It can feel overwhelming to face marriage fraud charges, but you do not have to go through the legal process alone.
You can start your marriage fraud case with a free consultation with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg. We will review the facts of your case and help you understand what our firm has to offer. A Waxahachie marriage fraud lawyer from our team will fight for your rights and work to build your defense every step of the way. Contact us today to get started.
