Dallas Visa & Document Fraud Attorney
Federal prosecutors treat visa and document fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1546 as a direct attack on the integrity of the immigration system. These are not minor paperwork violations. They are complex, high-stakes federal charges. Cases often begin quietly — with a consular alert, a data match, or a tip from an employer — before escalating into full-scale investigations that threaten liberty, livelihood, and immigration status.
At Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, our team approaches every visa or document fraud case as a technical investigation, challenging the government’s narrative through detailed review and precise counter-evidence.
Accused of visa or document fraud? Contact us online or call (214) 238-9392 for a free consultation with a Dallas federal defense attorney.
Why Clients Choose Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC as Their Legal Advocates
Federal defense demands more than knowledge of the law. It requires leadership, discipline, and the ability to act decisively when everything is on the line. Clients turn to Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC because we bring those qualities to every case we handle.
- Proven Federal Insight: Decades in federal courtrooms have given our attorneys a practical understanding of how prosecutors, judges, and investigators operate. That insight allows us to stay a step ahead, building strategies grounded in experience, not theory.
- Relentless Preparation: We approach every case as if it will go to trial. From document review to witness preparation, every stage is planned with precision so that no detail is left to chance.
- Clear, Candid Communication: We believe clients deserve honesty, not sugarcoating. Our attorneys tell you what you need to know, keep you informed, and guide every decision with transparency and respect.
- Discipline Under Pressure: The firm’s culture reflects the focus and steadiness of its leadership. When federal charges create chaos, we remain composed, strategic, and unflinching in our defense.
- Commitment Beyond the Case: Many clients come to us at the lowest point in their lives. We treat that trust seriously, protecting not just your case, but your future and reputation.
Charges We Defend Under 18 U.S.C. § 1546
Section 1546 of the U.S. Code covers a wide range of conduct related to immigration documents. Federal prosecutors often charge multiple counts based on the same paperwork or communication. Our firm defends clients accused of:
- Fraud or Misuse of Visas, Permits, or Other Immigration Documents — Allegations of using, obtaining, or helping others obtain immigration documents through false information or forged signatures.
- False Statements in Immigration Filings — Claims that a visa petition, asylum application, or adjustment-of-status form contained incorrect or misleading information.
- Counterfeit or Altered Documents — Accusations of creating, buying, or distributing fake visas, entry stamps, or identification documents.
- Possession or Use of Fraudulent Papers — Charges for possessing or presenting documents known to be forged or obtained unlawfully.
- Conspiracy or Aiding & Abetting — Situations where prosecutors link multiple individuals or employers to a single alleged scheme, even when roles differ.
- Employment-Based Visa Fraud — Claims that an employer or worker misrepresented job duties, wages, or qualifications in H-1B or other visa programs.
Federal Experience That Shapes Every Defense Strategy
Our firm’s approach is informed by decades of courtroom experience in federal systems. Founding attorney Patrick J. McLain has served as a federal prosecutor, a judge in military courts, and a defense lawyer in complex federal trials. That breadth of perspective drives the strategies our team applies in visa and document fraud cases.
Understanding how prosecutors construct narratives, how judges evaluate credibility, and how federal agencies share information allows us to anticipate moves and respond decisively. Every attorney at Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC draws on that institutional knowledge when building a defense plan.
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“Best attorney”
“Mr. Patrick McLain equals instant and good results for you. Hiring Mr. Patrick McLain is the best decision I had made throughout my military career.”- Master Sergeant Michael A Heath Jr. -
“A Marine through and through. He is dedicated to taking care of his clients.”
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“If anyone needs an attorney that will stand with you during your time of trouble, look no further.”
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How Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC Confronts Paper-Based Federal Charges
Visa and document fraud prosecutions are built on files, databases, and audit trails. We defend them the same way: by tracing every document, submission, and signature back to its source. Our attorneys conduct parallel investigations that uncover inconsistencies in the government’s data and expose procedural shortcuts.
From the start, our team:
- Reviews seized files, digital records, and correspondence for signs of alteration or misinterpretation.
- Engages forensic and linguistic specialists to analyze metadata, translations, and timestamps.
- Identifies which agencies handled each stage of the case and whether standard procedures were followed.
- Communicates directly with prosecutors to stop unauthorized contact and maintain control over the evidence flow.
Exposing Weak Links in the Government’s Evidence Chain
Every document fraud case depends on a chain of custody that is rarely flawless. Files move between agencies, translations differ, and clerical errors become accusations of deceit. Our defense strategy is built on identifying those weak links.
We work with forensic consultants to confirm authenticity, compare physical and digital versions of immigration documents, and cross-reference employer records, visa petitions, and consular notes for contradictions. We also examine how databases such as CLAIMS, SEVIS, or TECS were accessed and whether the data used against our clients was updated or incomplete.
Prosecutors often present these records as unassailable. We prove how administrative overlap and poor data integrity can turn ordinary filings into alleged fraud.
How We Challenge the Government’s Theory of Intent in Visa and Document Fraud Cases
Intent is the foundation of every document fraud prosecution. Prosecutors must show that a defendant knowingly submitted or used false documents to gain an immigration benefit. We dismantle that assumption by tracing how information moved through each stage of the process.
Our analysis includes:
- Comparing versions of applications and correspondence to reveal inconsistencies created by government handling, not client intent.
- Demonstrating how translation, delegation, or clerical oversight produced the alleged falsehood.
- Examining whether investigators misinterpreted cultural or linguistic differences as deception.
- Identifying unlawful searches, seizures, or digital intrusions that compromise the evidence.
Protecting Your Future in Federal Visa & Document Fraud Cases
A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1546 carries severe consequences:
- Up to ten years in federal prison per count, with enhanced penalties in national security or terrorism-related cases
- Heavy fines and restitution
- Permanent inadmissibility and deportation for non-citizens
- Lifetime restrictions on future immigration benefits
Our attorneys fight to reduce or eliminate these penalties while preserving immigration eligibility whenever possible. Every case receives individualized strategy based on its criminal, financial, and immigration dimensions.
Arrange a Confidential Consultation with Our Defense Attorneys
Federal visa and document fraud cases evolve quickly, often before defendants realize they are under investigation. The sooner you act, the stronger your position becomes.
Our team is available 24 hours a day to answer questions, review documents, and respond to subpoenas or agency contact. Secure video consultations are available for clients. Your first consultation is free and confidential.
Call (214) 238-9392 or reach us online now.