When Can a Person Face Child Trafficking Charges in Texas?

 Posted on April 27, 2021 in Criminal Defense

There are many reasons that a person may be charged with a crime. The potential penalties they may face if convicted will vary depending on the nature of their specific offense and whether they allegedly caused harm to someone else’s person or property. Crimes against children are taken especially seriously by law enforcement. Because children are often seen as innocent victims, an offender will face harsh punishments, including lengthy prison sentences and high fines. Child trafficking is one of the most serious of these types of crimes, and anyone who is accused of committing these types of offenses will want to understand what these charges entail and the potential consequences they could face if convicted.

When Is an Offense Considered Child Trafficking?

“Trafficking” can include a number of activities, and it typically involves transporting, harboring, recruiting, or enticing someone with the intent of forcing them to engage in illegal activities against their will. Child trafficking charges may apply if a person participates in these types of activities with a child under the age of 18 and causes them to engage in or be the victim of offenses such as:

• Forced labor, such as requiring children to work in a sweatshop or perform other types of services.

• Sexual assault or sexual abuse, which may include rape, indecency with a child, or any other form of sexual contact involving children.

• Prostitution, including paying to engage in sexual contact with a child, receiving payment for allowing a child to engage in sexual contact, compelling a child to participate in prostitution, or otherwise participating in the proceeds of child prostitution.

• Child pornography, including authorizing or inducing a child to engage in a sexual performance or possessing, distributing, or promoting photos, videos, or other visual material depicting a child engaging in sexual conduct.

• Employment harmful to children, which involves employing children in a sexually-oriented business such as a strip club or requiring children to work while topless or nude.

A person may be charged with child trafficking if they actively engage in any of the above activities, if they receive any benefit from sexual conduct involving a trafficked child, or if they directly engage in sexual conduct with a trafficked child. These charges may apply regardless of whether a person knew that the child was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense. Child trafficking is a first-degree felony, and a person who is convicted of this offense may face a prison sentence of between 5 and 99 years, as well as up to $10,000 in fines.

Contact Our Collin County Crimes Against Children Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with child trafficking or other offenses involving children, you will need a strong defense attorney on your side who can help you determine the best strategy for avoiding a conviction or reducing the charges against you. The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. can help you build an effective defense strategy, regardless of the nature of your alleged offense. Contact our Denton County child trafficking defense lawyer at 214-544-0061 to arrange a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.20A.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.12.htm