Sex trafficking charges are very serious and can lead to a felony conviction that will haunt you throughout your life. If you or someone close to you has been accused of this crime, you will need a strong Avondale sex crimes lawyer on your side.
Suzuki Law Offices offers you exceptional representation from an Avondale sex trafficking lawyer who will do everything in their power in your defense. This includes the services of a lawyer whose previous experience as a federal prosecutor provides unique insight into the battle you face.
What to Do if You Are Charged With Sex Trafficking in Avondale
If you are charged with sex trafficking, your first action should be to exercise your rights. No matter how unjust you believe the charges against you may be, you would not be charged without reason. You should, therefore, be very cautious about what you do and say after an arrest.
- Do not discuss your case with the police. You have the right to remain silent so that your own words, even when they are protestations of innocence, will not be used against you.
- Exercise your right to representation. Contact an experienced sex trafficking defense lawyer in Avondale as soon as you are able.
- Take note of everything that law enforcement officers do and say, and report back to your lawyer.
- Do not talk to anyone but your lawyer about your case. What you say to us is private. What you say to anyone else may not be.
We understand that this is a shocking experience for you. Talking to our Avondale criminal defense lawyer may alleviate some of your fears. They will be able to indicate what the way forward is likely to be and will work to build a defense strategy based on your individual circumstances.
The Consequences of Being Convicted of a Sex Trafficking Charge
Many people underestimate the severe consequences of a sex trafficking conviction. You should be very aware of the penalties you may face. Without good representation, even completely innocent people may be found guilty. This means:
- Imprisonment: If the alleged sex trafficking victim is over 18, a defendant may be sentenced to 4 to 10 years in prison. If they are under 18, the penalty is much more severe.
- A felony record: Sex trafficking is a Class 2 felony, and the record is not easily sealed.
- Becoming a registered sex offender: This affects your future residence options, ability to travel, career opportunities, and personal reputation.
Arizona is working to gain a reputation as a state that does not tolerate human trafficking. This implies pressure on prosecutors and judges to make an example of anyone who is found guilty. However, you have rights, and your sex trafficking defense attorney in Avondale is ready to fight for them.
Sex Trafficking and Arizona Law
Two important statutes cover the crime of sex trafficking in Arizona. When alleged victims have reached the age of consent, A.R.S. § 13-1307 applies. Sex trafficking differs from prostitution because it is not consensual. In other words, the victims are tricked, threatened, or forced into complying with the trafficker.
If an alleged victim is a minor, A.R.S. § 13-3212 applies. In this instance, there is no possibility that consent can be a mitigating factor. A minor is under the age of 18 and is not considered to have the legal capacity to give consent.
In 2024, Proposition 313 was passed. It means that judges are mandated to sentence people who have been found guilty of child sex trafficking to life in prison. To be found guilty, the prosecution must provide evidence that eliminates all doubt of the defendant’s guilt.
Related Charges Laid in Sex Trafficking Cases
In many cases, people accused of sex trafficking, a crime in itself, are also charged with one or more related offenses. These charges are often added to persuade defendants that they should accept a plea bargain or to increase the chance of getting a conviction if the charge of sex trafficking fails.
Additional charges may include:
- Pandering or procuring: persuading someone to engage in prostitution.
- Receiving the earnings of a prostitute: making money from someone else’s activity as a prostitute.
- Luring a minor for sexual exploitation: applied when people try to persuade minors to engage in sexual acts.
- Conspiracy or attempt to commit sex trafficking: planning or trying to commit sex trafficking offenses.
Facing multiple felony charges adds to your worry and stress. Your Avondale sex trafficking defense attorney will listen to your version of events, study police evidence, and give their professional opinion on your case.
Examples of Defenses Against Sex Trafficking Charges
The simplest way to sum up a defense to sex trafficking is to say that we will look for ways to challenge the narrative put forward by the prosecution. This includes showing that the evidence they produce does not prove the charges against you. In your context, possible defenses include:
- Consent: An adult engaged in prostitution of their own free will. This will require evidence, such as messages between you and the alleged victim.
- Absence of force, fraud, or coercion: The legal definition of sex trafficking states that one or more of these tactics were used to force an alleged victim into being trafficked.
- The case lacks credibility: People sometimes make complaints against others for the sake of harming them or to benefit themselves in some way. Cases such as these are likely to feature inconsistencies and weak evidence, and people who resort to making false claims often have a history of being untrustworthy.
The defense strategy best applied to your case depends on unique factors, so the only way to find out more is to discuss the matter with us. A diligent lawyer who is willing to work hard on your case is your best defense.
Suzuki is Your Lawyer in Avondale
With shocking charges laid against you, you may feel reluctant to talk about it. However, it is essential that you talk to your Avondale sex trafficking defense lawyer as soon as possible. We are ready to receive your call 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are ready to come to your defense. Instead of worrying about your situation, take the first step toward effective representation. Text us, call us, or use our online chat to get in touch.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form