Last Updated on: 2nd August 2023, 08:44 pm

Federal Customs Offenses Defense Lawyer: Protecting Your Rights

Customs Offenses Legal Defense in California

As a law-abiding citizen, navigating the complex regulations surrounding customs and border protection can be overwhelming. However, if you find yourself facing legal consequences for a customs violation, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced federal criminal defense attorneys are here to help.

The United States Customs & Border Protection plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of our nation. They work tirelessly to prevent the illegal entry of people and goods into the country, while facilitating lawful travel and trade.

Despite their best efforts, honest mistakes can occur. It’s all too easy to overlook a declaration form or misstep when entering or leaving the country. That’s why our dedicated team of federal criminal defense attorneys is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you are not unfairly penalized for an innocent mistake.

If you’re facing charges for any of the following customs offenses, our legal team is here to help:

• Failure to declare money when entering or leaving the country
• Attempting to bring in restricted plants, exotic species, or endangered wildlife
• Attempts to import banned or illegal items into the country
• Bringing in or taking out pharmaceuticals without proper declaration or prescription
• Importing goods without the necessary quota or visa
• Exporting or importing stolen vehicles or aircraft
• Filing false claims for the payment of exported goods
• Concealing or destroying evidence of imported goods

Don’t let a customs violation ruin your life. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team of federal criminal defense attorneys is here to fight for your rights and help you through this difficult time.

The Consequences of Customs Law Violations in the United States

In the United States, the importation and exportation of goods and services are tightly regulated. Breaking these laws can have severe consequences, including federal criminal charges, hefty fines, and even imprisonment, depending on the nature of the offense.

The Importance of Legal Representation

If you find yourself accused of violating customs laws, it’s crucial that you have a skilled and knowledgeable attorney by your side. Your attorney will be able to navigate the complex legal landscape and help you build a strong defense against the charges you’re facing.

Understanding Federal Customs Laws

Federal laws related to customs offenses can be found in 18 U.S. Code section 27. There are 15 different statutes within this section that outline various criminal offenses, including:

• Falsely classifying goods to avoid declaring their true nature to customs officials (18 U.S. Code section 541)
• Making false statements to secure the entry of goods into the United States (18 U.S. Code section 542)
• Paying less than the required duty on imported goods (18 U.S. Code section 543)
• Smuggling goods into the United States without following proper declaration procedures (18 U.S. Code section 545)
• Concealing invoices or other relevant papers related to customs declarations (18 U.S. Code section 551)
• Importing or exporting stolen vehicles, equipment, or vessels (18 U.S. Code section 553)
• Smuggling goods out of the United States (18 U.S. Code section 554)
• Becoming involved with border tunnels or passages used to smuggle goods (18 U.S. Code section 555)

Each statute specifies the elements that a prosecutor must prove to secure a conviction for the offense. For example, if you’re charged with smuggling goods into the United States in violation of 18 U.S. Code section 545, the prosecutor must prove that you knowingly and willfully smuggled merchandise into the country and that your intent was to defraud the United States.

It’s essential to understand the specific nature of the crime you’re accused of and what the prosecution must prove to secure a conviction. Your attorney can help you make sense of the legal complexities and build a strong defense.