Los Angeles Human Trafficking Lawyer

Human Trafficking Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA

Fighting for Those Accused of Trafficking in Humans

Generally, human trafficking involves depriving another person of their liberties and using coercion to force that individual to perform labor or commercial sex services. California takes such conduct seriously, and any person accused of it faces a felony charge. Conviction penalties include years in prison, and in severe cases, life imprisonment. Additionally, a court can impose hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. If you are facing human trafficking allegations, speak with an attorney about your case as soon as possible. Getting started early is essential to building a solid defense.

At Gibbons & Gibbons, our team is ready to provide the legal representation you need to fight your charge. We have over 60 years of combined experience and a reputation for excellence. Our attorneys thoroughly understand the judicial process and know how to handle even the most complex cases. Recognizing the stress and fear you might be feeling during this challenging time, we will be by your side, prepared to deliver sound advice and guidance about how to proceed. We will look out for your best interests and discuss courses of action we can take to seek a favorable outcome on your behalf.

To learn more about our legal services and how we can defend your innocence, contact our Los Angeles human trafficking attorneys at (562) 802-3602 today.

How Does California Define Human Trafficking?

California’s law concerning human trafficking is California Penal Code § 236.1.

The statute contains three sections that enumerate different types of conduct that may be considered human trafficking:

• Section (a) provides that a person may be charged if they deprive another of their personal liberties to obtain forced labor or services. Forced labor or services means that which is secured through “force, fraud, duress or coercion” or other conduct that makes a person fear that a failure to act would lead to severe consequences.
• Section (b) states that a person commits the offense when they deprive or violate someone’s liberties to entice a minor, engage in a prostitution-related offense, commit a child pornography crime, or effect extortion or blackmail.
• Section (c) says that charges may be levied when a person makes a minor (anyone under 18 years of age) engage in a commercial sex act with the intent to violate prostitution, child pornography, or extortion laws. A commercial sex act involves engaging in sexual conduct in exchange for anything of value.

Sections (a) and (b) of California Penal Code § 236.1 specifically reference the violation or deprivation of another person’s liberties. Unlawful restriction of someone else’s freedoms involves using fraud, force, coercion, or menace to compel a person to act or not act in a certain way. It can also include threatening to physically injure the victim (or any other person) for failing to comply with demands. The victim must have reasonably believed that the alleged offender could complete the threat for it to be considered credible.

If you have been accused of human trafficking under any of the sections enumerated in California law, you have options to fight the charge. In these types of situations, several defenses can be raised to cast doubt on the prosecutor’s case. At Gibbons & Gibbons, our Los Angeles human trafficking lawyers will collect and analyze evidence to build a legal strategy tailored for your case.

What Are the Penalties for Human Trafficking in California?

As mentioned earlier, human trafficking is a felony. This is the most severe level of charge in California and carries the harshest penalties. Those that a person may be exposed to upon a conviction depend on the section of the law they were prosecuted under.

Potential conviction penalties for human trafficking are as follows:

• Violation of section (a):
  • Imprisonment for 5, 8, or 12 years and
  • Fine of up to $500,000
• Violation of section (b):
  • Imprisonment for 8, 14, or 20 years and
  • Fine of up to $500,000
• Violation of section (c):
  • Imprisonment for 5, 8, or 12 years; or
  • Imprisonment for 15 years to life when the offense involved force, violence, or threat; and
  • Fine of up to $500,000

A conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, making it difficult to become a productive member of society, even after you have completed your sentence. That is why it’s necessary to aggressively challenge the accusations made against you. Our human trafficking attorneys in Los Angeles are prepared to do what it takes to seek the best possible result on your behalf.

Experienced Human Trafficking Defense Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA

Trust your case with our experienced team at Gibbons & Gibbons. We will treat you with the respect and professionalism you deserve and will put in the time and resources necessary to defend you.

Schedule a free initial consultation by calling (562) 802-3602 or submitting an online contact form.