A lot of attention has been given recently to the southern border of the US. Among the various concerns people have about the border is the possibility of crime. There are people on both sides of the border who seek to exploit the desperation of refugees or undocumented immigrants, or to otherwise use weaknesses in border security to carry out a variety of crimes.
Cross-border crime was the main issue discussed recently in a summit involving attorney generals from western US states, headed by California's Kamala Harris. These crimes, which often go hand-in-hand, include the following:
- Drug transportation. This includes using undocumented immigrants as drug mules and participating in transnational drug gangs.
- Human trafficking.
- Rape and other sex offenses.
- Identity theft and other forms of fraud.
- Theft of physical property.
- Weapons transportation and sales.
All of these crimes carry serious penalties for anyone convicted of them. Perpetrators may run afoul of both California state law and federal law, depending on the scope of their participation in the crimes and where the crimes took place. Drug transportation, for instance, could ultimately lead to decades in prison, steep fines, and the loss of various assets.
The extent of the penalties depend on a number of factors including prior criminal history and the extent and nature of the current criminal charges; for example, the quantity of drugs transported affects the penalties you face, as does the use of violence in commission of this crime.
Sometimes, you may face these charges when you were not even involved. You may be falsely accused or framed. Other times, you participate unknowingly. For example, a friend you trust might ask you to carry a package or piece of luggage with you and keep it in your home or deliver it to another person, and there's no reason for you to believe that it contains anything illegal. There are also situations when you knowingly contribute to a crime, but to a much lesser degree than other perpetrators.
Whatever the situation happens to be, contact us if you live in or around Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Corona and Riverside. When facing serious criminal charges, you need the best legal representation to help ensure your fair treatment in the criminal justice system.