If you have been charged with human trafficking in Florida, then you may have a defense. “Voluntary prostitution” is a defense that is oftentimes successful when fighting a human trafficking case. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about “voluntary prostitution” or how to beat your human trafficking case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, human trafficking is defined under Florida Statute 787.06. A person commits human trafficking when they knowingly, or in a reckless disregard of the facts, engage in or financially benefit from transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, providing, enticing, maintaining, or obtaining another person for the purpose of exploitation of that person for labor, services, or commercial sexual activity.
Human trafficking for labor services or commercial activity is a first-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or up 30 years of probation and up to $10,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed 30 years).
Human trafficking of a child or mentally defective person for commercial sexual activity is a life felony, meaning it is punishable by up to life in prison, or up to life probation and a $15,000 fine (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation and the total length of the punishment can be up to your entire life). In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of human trafficking you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for human trafficking-related charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with human trafficking in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.