What Is the Federal Crime of Human Trafficking?

 Posted on September 20, 2019 in Human Trafficking

Recently, a Pensacola man was charged with human trafficking in three different states. The charges came after multiple federal search warrants turned up evidence of this offense and a number of others in several massage parlors across the country. While some have heard of human trafficking, whether through movies or news reports, few completely understand what this crime entails. Sometimes this includes those charged. It is important that anyone facing charges understands what possible penalties they face, and how a Chicago federal defense attorney can help. Understanding the Crime of Human Trafficking Human trafficking occurs when one person smuggles, conceals, or obtains people through the use of force or threat of force. Transporting a person under these means is also considered human trafficking. While most people are familiar with the term, ‘human trafficking,’ the legal statute refers to the offense as involuntary servitude, forced labor, and sex trafficking. The statute on human trafficking also includes language further defining human trafficking as defrauding a person through an abuse of power when the above conditions are met. This also includes using a person to make a profit while exploiting them. Penalties for Human Trafficking Human trafficking is considered to be an extremely serious crime in the United States. As such, those convicted face up to 20 years in federal prison if they are convicted of the crime. If a person died as a result of human trafficking, those penalties are increased to life imprisonment. Sex trafficking also carries harsher sentences than human trafficking that does not involve sex offenses. When children are involved in sex trafficking, or the victim was defrauded, forced, or coerced to perform sexual acts, the minimum sentence is ten years in federal prison. Convictions for these offenses can also result in a life imprisonment sentence. In addition to the prison sentences and potential fines that are sentenced in human trafficking convictions, those accused may also have to appear on the sex offender registry. This can make it extremely difficult to find employment and housing in the future and will affect just about every aspect of the defendant’s life. The penalties for human trafficking may also vary, depending on the person’s role in the offense. For example, if someone drove the vehicle that transported the victims of human trafficking, they may face up to seven years in federal prison, even if they did not actively participate in the trafficking. Need Help with Federal Charges? Call Our Illinois Federal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with human trafficking or any other federal crime, it is important you get the help of an experienced Chicago federal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel, we know these cases are not as hopeless as they seem. We also know there are defenses available, and how to use them to build you the solid defense you need. Call us today at 312-629-0669 or fill out our online form for your free consultation. We are committed to helping those wrongly accused, and we want to help you, too.

Source:

https://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2019/08/16/pensacola-man-faces-charges-related-human-trafficking-massage-parlors/2032443001/