Miami Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer

Attorney for Charges of Human Trafficking and Related Charges in Miami, FL

In recent years, law enforcement officials in Florida and throughout the United States have taken steps to address human trafficking. Because of the harm that can be done to children or others who are exploited, sweeping efforts have been made to investigate human trafficking and arrest those who are accused of engaging in these activities. Because of this focus on protecting children and other vulnerable people, people who are charged with human trafficking can face severe penalties.

Unfortunately, there are situations where people may be falsely accused of human trafficking, child exploitation, and related crimes. Because of the consequences that people may face when they are charged with these offenses, legal representation is crucial. A conviction can have a devastating impact on a person's freedom, future, and reputation. Accusations of human trafficking can cause irreparable harm.

At Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand the seriousness of cases involving allegations of human trafficking, as well as prostitution and other sex crimes. Our lawyer can address the complex legal and factual issues involved in these matters and provide a strong, strategic defense for clients charged with human trafficking. He will work to challenge the accusations made by prosecutors, protect clients' constitutional rights, and help to minimize or eliminate the long-term consequences of a conviction.

What Is Human Trafficking?

According to Florida Statutes Section 787.06, human trafficking may involve recruiting, transporting, harboring, or otherwise obtaining a person in order to exploit them. Patronizing a person who is being exploited may also be considered human trafficking. Exploitation may include forced labor, servitude, or commercial sexual activity.

A person may be charged with human trafficking if they are accused of:

• Forcing or coercing someone to engage in labor or services against their will
• Recruiting or transporting someone for the purpose of sexual exploitation
• Using fraud, threats, or abuses of power to obtain labor or sexual services
• Involving a child in any form of commercial sex acts
• Participating in or benefiting financially from trafficking activity

In many cases, prosecutors do not need to show that a person physically transported a victim or harbored them in a home or other location. Accusations of arranging or profiting from the exploitation of another person may lead to trafficking charges. Since patronizing is also considered to be a form of human trafficking, a person who is accused of soliciting prostitution or engaging in sexual activity with a trafficked person could also face human trafficking charges.

The Role of Coercion in Human Trafficking Cases

Coercion plays a central role in human trafficking cases. Florida law defines coercion broadly to include:

• Physical restraint or threats of harm
• Withholding identification documents
• Debt bondage, financial control, or threatening to cause financial harm
• Threats of legal action, including deportation
• Isolation or confinement
• Fraud or deceit
• Psychological pressure or emotional abuse
• Providing a person with a controlled substance for the purpose of exploitation

Coercion does not need to involve physical force. Prosecutors may pursue human trafficking charges based on accusations that control was exerted through non-violent means, such as deceiving a person into believing that they have no other choice or providing a person with addictive drugs and threatening to withhold them.

In cases involving minors under the age of 18, prosecutors do not need to prove that coercion occurred. Any accusations that a person has caused a minor to engage in commercial sexual activity could lead to human trafficking charges.

Examples of Human Trafficking Charges

A person may face accusations of human trafficking charges related to activities such as:

• Operating or helping to operate a business in which workers were allegedly forced to perform labor without fair pay
• Arranging for a minor to engage in prostitution or escort services
• Driving or transporting a person to engage in sexual activity for compensation when that person had been coerced or threatened into complying
• Advertising or promoting the services of a person who was allegedly forced to engage in sexual activity
• Using fraud or coercion to force a person to perform domestic, agricultural, or hospitality work against their will
• Benefiting financially from the exploitation of a trafficking victim

These cases often involve complex investigations. Law enforcement officials may use surveillance to gather information about suspected trafficking operations. Digital evidence may also play a role in these cases, and it may include emails, text messages, or other forms of communication between people who were allegedly involved in human trafficking.

Penalties for Human Trafficking in Florida

In most cases, human trafficking is charged as a first-degree felony under Florida law. A person may be charged with a separate offense for each person who was allegedly trafficked. A conviction for a first-degree felony could lead to a prison sentence lasting for up to 30 years, as well as $10,000 in fines.

The penalties may increase significantly in cases involving allegations of trafficking minors for commercial sexual activity. In cases where an alleged victim was under the age of 18, a person could be sentenced to a life felony, which carries a potential sentence of life in prison. Parents or anyone else with custody of a minor who transfers custody of the minor for human trafficking purposes may also be charged with a life felony. In cases where an alleged victim of sex trafficking is younger than 12 years old, a person could face capital felony charges, and a conviction may result in the death penalty.

Defense Against Human Trafficking Charges

Our lawyer understands the serious nature of human trafficking allegations and the damage that these charges can have on a person's life. He can provide a strong defense in these cases by thoroughly examining the evidence and identifying legal and procedural weaknesses in the government's case. Defense strategies may include:

• Challenging the credibility of alleged victims or witnesses
• Presenting evidence that there was no coercion, fraud, or exploitation
• Demonstrating that a person had no knowledge or intent to engage in trafficking
• Arguing that a person was falsely accused or misidentified
• Showing that a person was not involved in a criminal enterprise
• Identifying constitutional violations, such as unlawful searches or seizures
• Taking steps to suppress digital communications or other evidence that was obtained illegally
• Presenting mitigating circumstances and advocating for reduced charges or penalties

Our attorney will work to keep cases out of the public eye when possible while protecting the rights of clients during investigations. He can help determine if alternatives to incarceration may be available. Because of the severe nature of human trafficking charges, early legal intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

Contact Our Miami, Florida Human Trafficking Defense Attorney

Because accusations of human trafficking are so serious, it is critical to speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible after learning that you may be under investigation for these offenses. These charges can result in decades of imprisonment and other penalties, but with a strong legal defense, you can challenge the allegations and take steps to protect your future. Contact our Miami human trafficking lawyer today by calling 305-615-1285 and setting up a free consultation.