Federal Case Locations · McAllen
McAllen Alien Smuggling Defense Lawyer
The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most active areas in the country for immigration-related prosecutions. John R. Teakell defends clients charged in the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas.
Alien Smuggling Defense
Alien Smuggling Cases in McAllen
McAllen and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley have long been among the busiest areas for Border Patrol activity, and the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas carries a large number of alien smuggling, transportation and harboring cases.
Many people charged in these cases are drivers or homeowners who say they were offered money for a ride or a place to stay, with little understanding of what they were agreeing to. The law draws important distinctions between those roles — and so do the sentencing guidelines.
Charges Under 8 U.S.C. § 1324
Bringing In
Bringing or attempting to bring a noncitizen into the United States other than at a designated port of entry.
Transporting
Transporting or moving a noncitizen within the United States knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that the person entered or remains unlawfully.
Harboring
Concealing, harboring or shielding a noncitizen from detection, such as at a stash house.
Aggravating Factors
Penalties increase significantly when the offense is for financial gain, involves dangerous conditions or results in injury or death.
What to Expect
How John Teakell Handles Your Case
01
Free, Confidential Consultation
Speak directly with John about what is happening — whether agents have contacted you, you have received a subpoena or target letter, or you have already been charged.
02
Case Review & Strategy
John reviews the charges, the evidence and the government’s theory, then lays out your options and a defense strategy built around the facts of your case.
03
Personal, Aggressive Defense
From negotiations with prosecutors through trial and sentencing, John handles your case personally — you are never passed to a junior associate.
Building the Defense
The government must prove what you knew or recklessly disregarded about a passenger’s status and what role you actually played. John examines the stop, the statements taken and the evidence of payment or planning, and fights for the lowest possible role at sentencing.
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Challenging knowledge and intent
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Reviewing the legality of the traffic stop and any search
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Suppressing statements taken without proper warnings
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Minimizing role and aggravating factors at sentencing
Why Those Charged with Serious Crimes
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney John Teakell
Anyone charged with a Texas state felony or federal crime risks losing their freedom and livelihood. John R. Teakell has decades of experience as a federal prosecutor and defense attorney.
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What Clients Say About Working With John
“
The Best Lawyer I’ve used. He gets results and dose what he says he will do. My lawyer for life should I ever need one again. Just Great results!
— Troy Bowen
“
John is very patient and understanding man! He took the time to answer all my questions. John really goes out of his way to ensure that you’re on the same page. I’d highly recommend him!! Look no further! Call him!
— Marco
“
I cant say nothing but good things about this man. John Teakell is a fighter and he knows criminal law very well. He is helping me on a very delicate matter. He has called me several times late at night answering some concerns that I had, that only showed me that no matter how late it was, he cared enough to call me after a long hard day at work. He takes the time to listen and that goes a long way. Cant be anymore happier with his services!
— Joseph Berlanga
Questions Clients Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
I only gave people a ride. Is that a crime?
It can be, if the government proves you knew or recklessly disregarded that the passengers were in the country unlawfully. The facts of how the ride was arranged matter a great deal.
Will a conviction affect my own immigration status?
For non-citizens, an alien smuggling conviction can have serious immigration consequences. Your defense should account for them.
Where will my case be heard?
Cases arising in Hidalgo County and nearby areas are ordinarily filed in the McAllen Division of the Southern District of Texas.
Learn More
More About Federal Defense in McAllen
Facing Federal Charges?
Speak Directly With a Seasoned Defense Attorney Today
Get a response within 24 hours. For immediate assistance, text or call (469) 628-4127.
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