Frisco, TX Human Trafficking Lawyers

Knowledgeable Attorneys Defending Against Human Trafficking Charges in Frisco, Texas

The offense of human trafficking is one of the most serious crimes that may be charged in Texas. These charges may be based on accusations that someone has transported or housed people who were forced to engage in certain types of legal or illegal work. Human trafficking charges can lead to severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration in some cases. Because of the serious nature of these allegations and the complex circumstances surrounding these cases, legal representation is crucial.

At Barbieri Law Firm, we work with clients in Frisco and other parts of Texas who may face human trafficking accusations. These cases often involve comprehensive investigations by state or federal law enforcement officials, as well as highly sensitive factors related to allegations of sex crimes or crimes against children. Our team can address the accusations made against our clients while working to protect their constitutional rights as we defend against convictions.

What Is Human Trafficking Under Texas Law?

The offense of Trafficking of Persons is defined under Texas Penal Code Section 20A.02. Trafficking may involve recruiting or enticing people to perform certain types of work, transporting or harboring people, or other similar activities. A person could be charged with human trafficking based on accusations of:

• Trafficking a person who will engage in forced labor or services
• Receiving money or other benefits from activities in which a person engages in forced labor or services
• Trafficking a person for the purpose of engaging in prostitution or related offenses
• Trafficking a child who will engage in forced labor, sexual conduct, or the production of child pornography
• Receiving benefits from participating in child trafficking
• Engaging in sexual conduct with a child who has been trafficked

Importantly, a person may be charged with human trafficking even if they did not physically move or harbor a victim or use physical force. Engaging in coercion, threats, deception, or exploitation in order to compel a person into engaging in forced labor, prostitution, or sexual conduct involving children may be considered human trafficking.

Situations That May Lead to Human Trafficking Charges

A broad range of conduct may be addressed in human trafficking charges. A person may be accused of human trafficking in a variety of alleged circumstances, including:

• Operating or participating in a sex trafficking operation
• Recruiting or harboring a person for commercial sex or labor against their will
• Forcing or coercing someone to work under abusive or unsafe conditions
• Transporting or harboring minors for purposes of sexual exploitation
• Using threats, fraud, or manipulation to cause someone to engage in forced labor
• Producing or promoting child pornography involving a trafficked minor
• Receiving money or other benefits from the forced labor or sexual exploitation of others

Even if a person is only accused of being indirectly involved, such as by managing property, providing transportation, or collecting money, they may still face charges of human trafficking.

Penalties for Human Trafficking Convictions in Texas

Human trafficking offenses can result in extremely harsh penalties. In Texas, all human trafficking offenses are classified as first-degree felonies. The sentence that may apply upon conviction can last anywhere from five to 99 years in prison. If an offense allegedly took place within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, youth community center, correctional facility, or juvenile detention facility, the minimum sentence will be 25 years.

Human trafficking convictions can lead to social and personal consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. An accusation can cause irreversible harm to a person's reputation and relationships. In cases involving allegations of sex crimes, a person who is convicted may be subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender, which can place serious limitations on where they can live, the types of jobs they can hold, and other areas of their life.

Additional Charges Related to Human Trafficking

In many cases, prosecutors may file multiple charges in addition to human trafficking, including:

• Compelling prostitution
• Sexual assault
• Indecency with a child
• Sexual exploitation of a child
• Promotion of child pornography
• Money laundering

These offenses can also result in harsh penalties. Convictions for multiple charges can lead to much longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Defending Against Charges of Human Trafficking

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm will conduct a comprehensive review of a case and take an aggressive approach to challenging the prosecution's evidence. Steps that may be taken when defending clients charged with human trafficking include:

• Analyzing the Basis for the Charges: Our lawyers will closely review the indictment, arrest warrant, and investigative procedures to determine whether officers followed the proper protocols and whether the evidence supports the charges.
• Challenging the Credibility of Witnesses: Many trafficking cases depend on testimony from alleged victims or other witnesses who may have motives to fabricate or exaggerate claims. Our attorneys will investigate the backgrounds of witnesses, their prior statements, and any incentives they may have to testify.
• Examining Digital and Forensic Evidence: Human trafficking cases may involve online communications, text messages, digital transactions, or other complex factors. Our lawyers will examine whether evidence was obtained lawfully and whether it conclusively ties the defendant to the alleged conduct.
• Arguing Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Prosecutors will need to show that the accused knowingly participated in illegal conduct. In some cases, a person may have been unknowingly involved in a broader operation without understanding the nature of the activities taking place.
• Seeking Reductions of Charges: When appropriate, our attorneys may negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges. We may seek to have certain charges dropped, or we may work to have charges reduced to less serious offenses that carry lighter penalties.
• Protecting Clients' Rights in Federal Investigations: When trafficking charges involve activities that took place in multiple states or countries, federal agencies such as the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security may become involved in an investigation, and charges may be filed in federal court. Our lawyers have the experience needed to represent clients who are facing federal charges and help them defend against convictions.

Contact Our Frisco, TX Human Trafficking Defense Attorneys

A human trafficking charge can affect many areas of your life and threaten your freedom and your future. If you have been accused of trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, or related offenses, it is essential to secure experienced legal representation immediately. At Barbieri Law Firm, our attorneys understand what is at stake in these cases, and we are ready to provide you with an effective defense. Contact our Frisco human trafficking defense lawyers at 972-424-1902 to set up a free and confidential consultation.