Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyer Minnesota
Many do not believe that sex trafficking exists in Minnesota, but it does. It is something that has become more evident in the past several years, resulting in the Minnesota Legislature’s adoption of laws that define sex trafficking as an act that is different than prostitution. This anti-trafficking statute was passed in 2005 and then amended in 2009 to reflect changes that have occurred within the sex trafficking industry.
If you have been charged with sex trafficking, the charge is very serious. It is this seriousness that emphasizes the need for F. T. Sessoms, a very experienced Minnesota criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in the law as it relates to sex trafficking and sex offenses.
Straightforward Sex Trafficking Defense
Minnesota law defines sex trafficking as the recruiting, receiving, harboring, enticing, obtaining, or providing an individual for prostitution or aiding in the prostitution of that individual in any way. Sex trafficking can also be defined as the receiving of profit or anything of value from the act of sex trafficking.
Many times, sex trafficking can involve soliciting a minor and that means there are additional charges that can be filed against an individual accused of sex trafficking. These additional charges can vary based on the circumstances surrounding the case.
It is also important to note that Minnesota law uses the words “by any means” throughout the statute and that is because that is what it means. If a person tries to state that they did not know the age of the person they were trafficking, it is not a legitimate defense. Sex trafficking can involve anyone of any age and is illegal even if the trafficked individual is of legal age. When the person being trafficked is a minor, the offense becomes even more serious.
Sentencing You May Face For Sex Trafficking
If a person is convicted of sex trafficking, the maximum sentence is 15 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines for trafficking an adult victim. If the trafficking victim is a minor under the age of 18, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines. There are also aggravating factors that can enhance the sentence, such as a prior sex trafficking conviction or the victim sustained bodily harm or the victim was bound or forced to labor for more than six months, or there was more than one victim involved in the trafficking scheme.
Regardless of the factors surrounding your case, F.T. Sessoms as your Minnesota criminal defense attorney can utilize the facts and other factors surrounding the case and advocate for the best possible result.
Contact Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer F. T. Sessoms:
Sex trafficking is a serious topic in Minnesota, as there are many minors that have been trafficked inside the state. When accused of sex trafficking, it is important to secure the representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the law and can use it to work in your favor.
To learn more about your rights and options, contact me, Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer F.T. Sessoms, at 612-344-1505 and request a consultation as I would be happy to discuss your case with you.
