Child Trafficking Defense Attorney in Plano

Collin County Criminal Lawyer for Those Charged with Sex Trafficking Involving Minors

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we recognize that here in Texas and throughout the United States, the term "human trafficking" often refers to forcing people to perform labor or services without proper payment. A significant portion of trafficking allegations, however, involves alleged child victims who were forced to perform sexual acts.

The state of Texas and the federal government both take an aggressive approach to investigating, prosecuting, and punishing those who engage in human trafficking. The situation is even more serious for those suspected of trafficking children. If you are being investigated in relation to child trafficking in any capacity, you need an attorney on your side who will fight for you. You need Attorney Darlina Crowder.

Understanding Child Trafficking Laws

According to the Texas Penal Code, trafficking of a person refers to any activity that is intended to recruit, entice, harbor, provide, transport, or otherwise obtain that person for the purposes of forcing the person to perform labor, provide services, or engage in sexual activity. When the victim is under the age of 18, he or she is considered a child, and the offense becomes child trafficking.

Child victims of trafficking can be forced to perform unpaid or underpaid labor, but a large percentage of such cases involve the child being forced to engage in or become the victim of:

• Sexual assault;
• Indecency with a child;
• Prostitution and promotion of prostitution;
• Sexual performance by a child, including child pornography; and
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child.

A person could also be charged with child trafficking if he or she is suspected of participating in a trafficking venture or for engaging in any sexual conduct with a child who has been trafficked. Child trafficking is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 99 years in state prison.

Fort Worth Attorney for Federal Charges for Child Sex Trafficking Charges

Because human trafficking often crosses state lines and international borders, many such cases are investigated and prosecuted by agencies of the federal government. Child trafficking falls under the offense of sex trafficking at the federal level, and a conviction carries a minimum prison sentence of at least ten years. The minimum sentence is 15 years if the victim is under age 14 or the trafficking was accomplished by force, fraud, or coercion. If you are accused of buying or selling children for the purposes of child pornography, or aggravated sexual abuse with children, you will face a minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

A Defense Team You Can Rely On

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we know that facing charges related to child trafficking can be overwhelming. We also realize, however, that the burden of proof is on the prosecutors. The state must prove each element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. For example, if prosecutors cannot definitively show that the child in question was forced to engage in or become the victim of illegal sex-related behavior, the entire case could be dismissed.

Our team has obtained more than 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals throughout our 20-year history, including in several high-profile cases. We will not buckle under pressure. Instead, we will work hard to help you obtain the best possible outcome for your situation.

Call 214-544-0061 for Legal Help

For more information about our firm and our approach to child trafficking cases, contact our office. Call 214-544-0061 for a free, confidential consultation today. We serve clients in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, Tarrant County, Grayson County, and throughout North Texas.