Ms. Silva was accused of attempting to enter the United States with a false American visa. Agents testified that Ms. Silva admitted that she had previously entered the United Stated illegally and had worked without legal documents.
Mr. Seitles was able to demonstrate that Ms. Silva reasonably relied on the promise of a Brazilian attorney that he could secure her a valid visa. Mr. Seitles explained to the jury that no person in a post 9/11 world would leave the United States unless they believed they could legally reenter the country. In summation, Mr. Seitles passionately argued that Ms. Silva did not know her visa was false and had no reason to lie.
The Jury returned a verdict of not guilty in three hours.
