Trafficking is a complex issue that can be difficult to understand. Trafficking offenses are defined by federal law and prosecuted in state courts, with the most common trafficking offense being the sex trafficking of children or adults. Trafficking also includes other forms of labor exploitation such as domestic servitude and agricultural slavery. Traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion to control victims.
The defense lawyers los angeles have available can help defend those who are caught taking advantage of others in any of the ways described.
If you are accused of trafficking, it is important to understand the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction. Trafficking offenses are serious crimes that can result in lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. You have the right to an attorney, and you should contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Trafficking offenses are often complex, and an experienced defense lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for your rights.
Below, we shall think more about the offenses themselves to understand what is included as part of them.
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking in which someone is coerced or deceived into performing sexual acts. This can include prostitution, pornography, and stripping. Sex trafficking is a very serious crime, and those convicted of it can face years in prison.
Labor Exploitation
Labor exploitation can take many different forms but often includes forcing someone to work for little or no pay, in dangerous conditions, or without any benefits. Traffickers may also threaten their victims with violence or other forms of retaliation if they try to escape or refuse to comply with their demands. Victims of labor exploitation are often isolated and unaware of their rights, making it difficult for them to seek help.
Exploiting someone for their labor can relate to:
- Obtaining cheap labor.
- Trying to make significant profits for a business.
- Being able to have jobs completed that are not that pleasant to carry out.
- Having someone work longer hours without breaks than is legally permitted.
When defending clients, it can be hard to mitigate against such activities because every worker is entitled to a fair wage and working conditions that are safe and pleasant. However, the chance to profit or obtain the equivalent of almost free labor can present too much of a temptation to many. This is where a criminal defense lawyer will be needed to help defend as best as they can in a case when it is discovered just what has been going on.
Domestic Servitude
Domestic servitude is a form of trafficking in which someone is forced to work in a private home as a domestic servant. Domestic servants are often isolated in the home and are not able to leave without the permission of their employer. They may be subjected to physical or emotional abuse or maybe denied food or pay. Domestic servitude is a serious crime, and those who are accused of it can face severe consequences.
If you are accused of domestic servitude, it is important to understand the charges against you and to know your rights. An experienced defense lawyer skilled in this area of crime can help you with all of that.
The Things a Defense Lawyer Can Do to Help
Trafficking offenses can be confusing and frightening for those who are accused of them. However, defense lawyers can help to demystify some of the common myths about trafficking offenses and provide accurate information about the realities of trafficking prosecutions. Defense lawyers will work to ensure that your rights are protected and will zealously advocate for you in court.
Trafficking offenses are serious crimes and so ones that need to be defended as well as they can by lawyers. You have the right to an attorney, and you should contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case.