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50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
50 Founders Plaza
East Hartford, CT 06108
Human trafficking is an issue that has gained a great deal of attention in recent years. Concerns about the abduction, transportation, and harboring of children, women, or others in order to compel them to participate in the commercial sex trade have led lawmakers to pass new laws addressing sex crimes and crimes against children. A recent change to the laws in California is one example of this trend, and people throughout the United States may face serious penalties if they are accused of engaging in any form of sex trafficking. To ensure that these accusations can be addressed correctly, people in Connecticut can secure representation from an attorney who has experience defending clients against these types of charges.
Lawmakers in California have taken steps to address concerns about sex trafficking in response to statistics showing that the state ranks highest in the number of reported human trafficking cases. According to the state’s legislators, buying and selling of people is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, and California serves as a large hub for this type of activity. In response to this issue, the state legislature passed a new law that will impose harsher penalties for people convicted of child sex trafficking.
Following this change to California law, human trafficking of a minor is considered a “serious felony.” This means that these offenses will fall under the umbrella of California’s “three strikes” law, which imposes a life sentence after a person is convicted of a serious felony for the third time. In addition, the state’s laws limit plea bargaining in these cases, and mandatory minimum sentences will typically apply for those who are convicted of sex trafficking or other offenses that are considered violent sex crimes.
Connecticut law defines the offense of “trafficking in persons,” which involves compelling or inducing someone to engage in sexual contact with someone else through the use of force, threats, intimidation, fraud, or other forms of coercion. Sex trafficking may also include recruiting, harboring, transporting, or otherwise facilitating sexual conduct in exchange for money or anything else of value. This offense is a Class A felony.
People involved in sex trafficking of children may also face charges of “commercial sexual abuse of a minor.” This offense may apply if a person is accused of exchanging something of value for sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 18, agreeing to do so, or soliciting this type of transaction. This offense is usually charged as a Class B felony, although Class A felony charges will apply if the minor in question was under the age of 15.
Any accusations of sex crimes should be taken very seriously, since a conviction can lead to a lengthy prison sentence, tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. Charges related to human trafficking can arise in a variety of situations, and defending against these accusations can be difficult, especially for those who are accused of committing crimes against children. Because of the serious nature of these offenses, it is crucial for anyone who has been accused of sex trafficking or related crimes to work with an experienced Connecticut sex crimes attorney.
At Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we understand the ways accusations of sex trafficking or crimes against children can affect a person. We are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and helping them determine the best course of action in these cases. We can help defendants build effective defense strategies, and we will fight to help them avoid a conviction while protecting their reputations and working to resolve their criminal cases successfully. To learn how we can help defend against serious offenses such as sex crimes, contact our firm at 860-290-8690 and schedule a free consultation.
50 Founders Plaza
