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Marriage and visa fraud investigations often arise from immigration petitions, sponsorship applications, or alleged misrepresentations made during the immigration process. These cases frequently involve overlapping criminal, immigration, and financial exposure, and are often investigated by federal agencies before charges are filed. We represent individuals facing allegations tied to immigration filings, marriage-based petitions, and related conspiracy claims.
These cases often hinge on intent, not on imperfect paperwork or relationship dynamics viewed in hindsight.
In larger investigations, prosecutors may attempt to expand marriage or visa fraud allegations into a broader enterprise theory under RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) — 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1964.
Visa fraud and wire fraud are predicate offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1). By alleging a “pattern” of activity (18 U.S.C. § 1961(5)), the government may attempt to combine multiple marriage petitions into a single enterprise, attribute conduct across multiple individuals, increase sentencing exposure, seek mandatory forfeiture under 18 U.S.C. § 1963, and expand admissibility of evidence at trial. RICO allegations significantly elevate both criminal and financial exposure and can transform individual immigration allegations into large-scale conspiracy cases.
Sentencing exposure may also be influenced by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, including fraud and loss calculations under U.S.S.G. § 2B1.1 and related provisions. Marriage and visa fraud investigations can escalate quickly and often carry life-changing immigration consequences beyond criminal penalties. Early strategic defense is critical to protecting both liberty and immigration status.
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