call Today! 415-448-7992
call Today! 415-448-7992
Home > Criminal Defense > Border Arrests
Featured On
Recognized Nationwide
Understand Your Rights
Experiences & Aggressive
A Tradition of Success
Protect Your Future

Were you or a loved one arrested at the border?

Border arrests are perhaps one of the most serious types of arrests. Individuals who are detained at the U.S.-Mexico or -Canada border face potential federal criminal charges. Our borders are patrolled by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents, the Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security. If you or someone you love was arrested, contact our firm as soon as possible. We can spring into action and build a strong case for your defense.

There are thousands of border patrol agents situated at checkpoints across our nation’s borders. All vehicles that pass through these checkpoints come under the scrutiny of border agents. These agents enforce federal laws and promote national security, but due to a heightened sense of security after the 9/11 attacks, some people may be falsely accused of crimes.

If you are under investigation by a federal agency or are facing criminal charges in federal court, our firm has the experience needed to advocate for your legal rights.

Arrests That Are Common at the Border

Regardless of location, border agents enforce all types of federal laws. There are some types of criminal activity more common than others; consequently, these arrests are made more frequently. Listed below are some common reasons people are arrested at the border.

  • Drug Offenses: The illegal drug trade is heavily targeted at border checkpoints. Border patrol agents are constantly looking for signs of trafficking and smuggling of illegal controlled substances. According to data compiled by the CBP, border agents seize about 11,000 pounds of drugs on a daily basis. Not all vehicles are stopped for extended periods of time, but border agents can stop vehicles to check for passports/documentation and, if there is reasonable suspicion, the vehicles can be further detained for drug searches.
  • Trafficking & Smuggling of Illegal Material: Copyright infringing material, illicit currency, and even human beings are trafficked and smuggled across U.S. borders. Border agents can detain vehicles if they believe that they contain material that violates U.S. federal copyright law, human trafficking laws and more. Over 1,000 apprehensions for these types of crimes are made at our borders every day.
  • Immigration Violations: Border patrol agents examine documentation such as visas, green cards, passports, and more to determine whether or not a person can legally enter the United States. It is not uncommon for individuals to present fraudulent documentation to border agents to gain entry. In fact, the CBP reports about 60 fraudulent documents received every day. Individuals who are accused of violating U.S. immigration law may face deportation or other criminal consequences.

Aggressive Defense from a San Francisco Criminal Lawyer

It is important to understand what is at stake with a border arrest. You could be sentenced to fines, a prison term, probation, and even deportation in addition to other penalties. However, you are still innocent until proven guilty by law. Our job as San Francisco criminal defense attorneys is to protect the rights of the criminally accused so that they can receive justice. At Okabe & Haushalter, we do not shy away from federal cases; in fact, we thrive on them.

If you or someone you love is under investigation by a federal agency or facing charges in federal criminal court, please call us today to receive a free evaluation of your case.