Human trafficking is an extremely serious criminal offense that could result in severe penalties upon conviction, especially if the alleged victims are minors under 18 years of age. Therefore, it is critical that you obtain legal representation if you are facing criminal charges. A Charleston human trafficking lawyer could represent you and build a legal defense to preserve your future. Reach out to a criminal defense attorney today to schedule a consultation.
Types of Forced Labor Crimes in Charleston
Human trafficking offenses may be charged as trafficking in persons or sex acts. Both are chargeable criminal offenses for someone could face prosecution, as well as incarceration if convicted.
How is Trafficking in Persons Defined?
The South Carolina Code of Laws defines trafficking in persons as the recruitment, solicitation, harboring, transporting of a human for such purposes as involuntary servitude, forced labor, or sex. Conspiring with or aiding another person in human trafficking could also result in trafficking in persons charges. A Charleston human trafficking attorney could answer questions about laws against forced labor and trade.
What is Considered Sex Trafficking?
The South Carolina Code of Laws defines sex trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, harbor, obtain, or transport a victim to provide sexual services. The law also identifies sex trafficking as the recruitment, harboring, or transportation of minors under the age of eighteen who are given or promised something of value if they provide sexual services. Someone who allegedly forces a minor to partake in sexual acts that are photographed or videotaped could also be charged of child pornography. A dedicated attorney could explain the types of activities that could result in a person being charged with sex trafficking in Charleston.
Penalties for Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a felony offense and is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years for a first offense. A second offense is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 30 years. Convictions for subsequent offenses of human trafficking could result in a prison sentence of up to 45 years.
The penalties for human trafficking in the area are more severe when the trafficked victims are under 18 years of age. Upon conviction, a first offense for trafficking a minor is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 30 years, while second or subsequent offenses are punishable by up to 45 years in prison. A knowledgeable Charleston attorney could help someone understand the penalties for the human or sex trafficking charges against them.
Contact a Charleston Human Trafficking Attorney Today
It is absolutely critical that you secure legal representation if you are facing human trafficking charges, whether for trafficking in persons or for sex. These are serious charges that require serious legal representation. Attempting to defend yourself and fight the charges on your own could severely harm your case.
A Charleston human trafficking lawyer who understands the intricacies of the legal system and is thoroughly familiar with forced labor laws could file a motion for dismissal of the charges, negotiate a plea agreement on your behalf, or prepare a legal defense to the charges against you. Contact an attorney today for critical legal assistance with your case.
