New Jersey Human Trafficking Lawyers Defend Clients Against Serious Federal Charges
Have you been arrested and charged with human trafficking under federal law? The federal government considers human trafficking a serious crime, and you may face serious prison time based on your involvement in a trafficking scheme. A conviction can also have long-lasting impacts on your reputation and personal and professional life. Let a federal human trafficking defense attorney from Agre & St. John help you protect your freedom and future.
Our legal team has seven decades of combined legal experience in criminal cases, having worked as criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors. Our experience has given us unique insight into how prosecutors prepare and pursue criminal charges, which we now use to craft tailored legal strategies aimed at securing the best possible resolution in your case. When you are facing serious federal human trafficking charges, you need strong legal advocates who will fight hard for you. Our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases to verdict as prosecutors and defense lawyers, so we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial when you choose to contest your charges. Our dedication to obtaining successful results has earned us a well-respected reputation among our clients and legal peers.
Federal human trafficking charges carry significant penalties in the event of a conviction. You need experienced legal counsel to defend your rights and reputation and give you the best opportunity for securing a favorable outcome to your charges. Contact Agre & St. John for a free initial case evaluation to learn more about how our New Jersey human trafficking lawyers can guide you through your case.
When facing federal charges, trust Agre & St. John's experienced attorneys to mount a vigorous defense and protect your rights in complex federal criminal cases. Call 856-454-8674 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation.
Human Trafficking Criminal Statutes Under Federal Law
Under federal law, human trafficking is outlawed by Chapter 77 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, while 22 U.S.C. s. 7102 defines the act of sex trafficking. Federal law prohibits transporting people across state lines or national borders, or coercing people to travel across state or national borders. Human trafficking usually arises in the context of peonage, or debt slavery, or commercial sex work. Debt slavery involves enticing people to come to the United States or to travel to another state with the promise of employment; however, the perpetrator will demand that the trafficked individual work to pay for the cost of transporting them and must continue to work for the perpetrator until those costs are paid off. However, the perpetrator will pay the trafficked person so little money that they will be unable to pay off their debt due to accruing interest.
In sex trafficking, individuals are transported and forced to engage in prostitution against their will, with perpetrators maintaining full control over the trafficked person’s activity.
Human trafficking may also involve bondage slavery, where a person is forced to work for another party for no pay and with no prospect of freedom.
Penalties for a conviction for human trafficking will depend on the defendant’s role in the trafficking and the purposes for which the victim was being trafficked. For example, playing a supporting role in trafficking, such as providing transportation, carries a maximum prison sentence of seven years. However, actively transporting trafficking victims carries a maximum term of 20 years, with the possibility of a life sentence if the defendant sexually assaulted the victim, forced the victim to engage in sexual activity, attempted to kill the victim, or if a trafficking victim dies.
Federal law also allows district courts to impose restitution as part of a sentence for human trafficking, or alternatively, authorizes trafficking victims to pursue a civil lawsuit against the perpetrators who trafficked them.
Don't face federal charges alone – schedule a confidential consultation with Agre & St. John's skilled defense team to understand your options and build a robust defense strategy.
How Can a Federal Human Trafficking Defense Attorney from Agre & St. John Help You Face Your Charges?
Because human trafficking is a serious criminal offense, federal prosecutors vigorously pursue convictions on human trafficking charges. You need experienced legal counsel to help you minimize the consequences of an arrest or conviction on federal human trafficking charges. Let the New Jersey human trafficking lawyers of Agre & St. John protect your reputation and future by:
- Independently investigating your charges to obtain evidence that may prove useful in your defense
- Evaluating your legal options, including identifying factual and legal defense or case strategies that can help you obtain a favorable resolution
- Explaining your charges and rights to you, preparing you for what to expect during prosecution, and answering questions you have throughout your case, so you can make informed decisions at each step
- Fighting the government’s case at every opportunity, including by moving to exclude government evidence or witnesses or filing motions to dismiss your charges if the government lacks the evidence to bring you to trial
- Tirelessly pursuing the best possible outcome to your charges, whether that involves negotiating a favorable plea agreement if appropriate, or advocating in your defense at trial when you choose to maintain your innocence and contest your charges
Contact Agre & St. John Today for a Free Confidential Consultation to Discuss Your Legal Options with Our New Jersey Human Trafficking Lawyers
Don’t leave the outcome of your human trafficking charges to chance. Turn to Agre & St. John for aggressive legal advocacy that will stand up for you. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to learn more about how a federal human trafficking defense attorney can assist you.
