At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our San Diego criminal defense attorney knows that facing federal charges, like human trafficking, in California places the accused at the top of law enforcement’s prosecution priorities — including those outlined by the Attorney General of California.
Here is what those accused of these serious crimes need to know.
What is Considered Human Trafficking in California?
Human trafficking means illegally transporting a person from one area or country to another.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
Victims of human trafficking may be of any age, gender, race, or nationality, and is charged as a federal crime when the act violates or deprives someone else of personal liberty.
Under California Law, this refers to any case of restricting a person’s basic liberties by fraud, deceit, coercion, violence, duress, or threat of injury, with the intent to:
- Exploit a person for obscene purposes.
- Obtain forced labor or services.
- Procure or sell the person for sex.
Because of the broad definition, multiple actions can result in both state and federal human trafficking charges, including abduction, distribution of child pornography, pandering, and pimping.
Who Can Be Implicated in Human Trafficking Charges?
Human trafficking often involves a network of individuals working together to obtain and transport the trafficked parties.
A person can be implicated in human trafficking if he or she was allegedly contributing to the act in any of the following roles:
- Making travel arrangements.
- Marketing services to be provided by victims.
- Participating by aiding or abetting.
- Posing as a companion or sponsor of underage victims.
- Producing or distributing child pornography.
- Soliciting services to be provided by victims.
If you have been accused of this serious charge, do not wait to protect yourself from overzealous prosecutors. Depending on the facts of your case, you can be charged both locally under California laws, and federally. We can help. Contact our skilled federal crimes defense attorney in San Diego today to learn more about your legal rights and options to produce the best outcome for your unique charges.
What are the Penalties for Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is always punished as a felony in California.
Because the definition of human trafficking is broad, the penalties can range from five to 12 years in California State prison, or 20 years to life in federal prison, and fines of up to $500,000.
If you have been charged with human trafficking in California, you will need a trusted criminal defense lawyer in San Diego to help prove there was no deprivation or violation of liberty, or that the accusation is false, or risk spending significant time behind bars.
If you have been charged with state or federal human trafficking, contact our skilled San Diego human trafficking attorney to learn more about your legal rights and how we accomplish favorable outcomes for each of our client’s unique needs by calling 619-269-2131 to discuss the details of your case today.