Sex Trafficking of Children or by Force Attorney
Federal Sex crimes, especially those involving individuals under the age of 18, are extremely serious. If you’re under investigation for sex trafficking of children, you need to get in touch with an experienced federal sex crimes attorney as soon as possible. It is hard to receive a favorable outcome in these types of cases, and the potential penalties are severe.
You could face large fines, years in prison, or both, all of which could have a potentially negative impact on your future. If you want to clear you name and get on track to receiving a favorable outcome in your case, contact Grabel & Associates. Our team of attorneys has been working for Michigan’s wrongfully accused for over 15 years and is ready to step in and fight on your behalf.
It is a federal felony offense to be a part of sex trafficking of children. If you knowingly recruit, entice, transport, house, or provide for a minor engaged in a commercial sex act, you are breaking the law. There are various approaches to defending against sex trafficking of children charges. Depending on the details of your case, your attorney may have you plead ignorant or try to show that the alleged victim was over the age of 18. There are numerous approaches, and it is crucial to work with a lawyer who will do what is best for your future. To start fighting sex trafficking charges in Michigan, call 1-800-883-2138 to speak with a member of Michigan’s premier defense firm.
What Is a “Commercial Sex Act?”
You don’t have to be the one transporting children to be charged with sex trafficking of children. The law states that anyone who knowingly plays a part, or acts in reckless disregard of the fact that a minor is engaged in a commercial sex act, could face charges. “Commercial sex act” is defined very broadly in the law. Basically, it refers to any sex act that involves the exchange of value. If you offer a child money, shelter, drugs, or any other kind of favor in exchange for sexual acts, you could face punishment. It is also illegal to participate in a business venture that involves sex trafficking of minors. If you are knowingly or unknowingly involved in a sex trafficking crime, contact an attorney early on. The sooner you have someone protecting your legal rights and shielding you from overzealous police and prosecutors, the easier it will be to receive a just outcome.
Penalties for Sex Trafficking of Children
Sex trafficking of children is a federal offense and the punishments are severe. Prosecutors can charge you with sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion without proving that either the defendant or victim crossed state or international lines. Section 1591 also does not require proof that the defendant used force, threats, coercion, or any combination of the above to cause the child to engage in a commercial sex act. The law applies to both U.S. citizens as well as foreign children that are brought into the United States.
If the victim is under the age of 14, or if force, fraud, or coercion were implemented, the minimum mandatory punishment is 15 years in prison. If the victim is between the ages of 14-17, the minimum mandatory punishment is 10 years in prison. Anyone who obstructs justice in sex trafficking cases could face up to 20 years in prison. The maximum punishment for sex trafficking of children is a life sentence. Defendants may also be made to pay restitution to their victims of any losses caused.
Our Defense of Sex Trafficking of Minors
We understand the gravity of your case and will do everything in our power to protect you from unjust penalties that could harm your future. We’ll do our best to keep your case under wraps during the investigation stage, helping you guard your reputation as we work to clear your name. We’ll thoroughly review every detail of your unique situation, and conduct our own investigation, looking for ways to prove you did not knowingly participate in sex trafficking. If you’d like to know more about how the team at Grabel & Associates handles sex trafficking of children cases, reach out to our team today.
Contact Us for 24/7/365
It’s easy to connect with our team of attorneys. Just call 1-800-883-2138 to speak with a seasoned case analyst and receive a free initial case consultation. We’ll help you determine if Grabel & Associates is the right firm for your case and get you on track to receiving your desired results.