Criminal lawyer at the border
International trafficking, smuggling and customs duty evasion fall under federal jurisdiction in Brazil. Technical defense from the moment of arrest ensures that deadlines are met and rights are exercised.
International drug trafficking, smuggling and customs evasion are tried by the Federal Justice, not by the state courts (art. 109 of the Brazilian Constitution). That changes the court, the police force investigating and the deadlines. Settling jurisdiction early is part of the defence, not a formality.
Criminal defense lawyer · OAB/MG 155.242 · Remote service nationwide
Prefer to write? Email us
Most clients abroad write to us. Email crosses time zones, keeps a record and lets you attach documents. We reply in English, usually within one business day (we are in Brazil, UTC−3).
Border crimes and federal jurisdiction
International drug trafficking: Law No. 11.343/2006. Entry across the border attracts federal jurisdiction and a specific defense.
Descaminho (customs duty evasion): art. 334 of the Penal Code. Many cases arise from reports by the Federal Revenue (customs).
Smuggling (contrabando): art. 334-A of the Penal Code. Prohibited goods; a crime distinct from descaminho.
Is your relative already detained? See what to do if a relative is detained in Brazil and criminal defense at the border.
How you appoint a lawyer without travelling
You do not need to come to Brazil, and you do not need a middleman. The appointment is made remotely and the case runs electronically.
Power of attorney
signed where you are. For use in court it is apostilled (Hague Convention, in force in Brazil) and translated by a sworn translator, we tell you exactly which documents are needed.
Documents
identity papers and whatever you have of the case: case number, court, full name, mother's name and date of birth of the person involved.
How the case runs
filings are electronic (PJe, eproc, e-SAJ, SEEU) and hearings can be held by videoconference. You follow the case through the lawyer, in your language.
Scope in writing
what the firm will do, and what it will not, is set out in writing before the work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Why do border crimes go to the Federal Court?
Because a crime that crosses the country border (international trafficking, smuggling, customs duty evasion) is, as a rule, under the jurisdiction of the Federal Court (art. 109 of the Brazilian Constitution). Identifying the right court from the start shapes the strategy.
What is the difference between smuggling and descaminho?
Descaminho (art. 334 of the Penal Code) is evading the duties owed when bringing goods in or out. Smuggling (contrabando, art. 334-A) is importing or exporting prohibited goods. They are distinct crimes, with their own penalties and defenses.
Do you handle cases along the whole border region?
Yes, remotely and nationwide, from Foz do Iguacu to Oiapoque, including the borders of Acre, Roraima, Mato Grosso do Sul and Rio Grande do Sul.
- OAB/MG 155.242, admitted in 2014
- Postgraduate studies in Criminal Procedure (Faculdade Legale)
- Guaxupé (MG), practice throughout Brazil
Write to us
Tell us briefly about your case. A lawyer from the firm replies by email, usually within one business day.