Sex trafficking charges are not to be taken lightly. They are among the most serious of criminal allegations. If you or a loved one is accused of sex trafficking, it is crucial to understand the gravity of the situation, the potential charges and penalties, and to take immediate legal action. An experienced Tempe sex trafficking defense lawyer will help you understand your case and be your advocate.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we are committed to vigorously defending your rights and providing exceptional representation. Allow a Tempe sex crimes lawyer to evaluate your case and be your voice in action. Our team comes equipped with former law enforcement investigators on staff to ensure we can set the record straight for you.
Essential Steps to Take After Being Charged With Sex Trafficking in Tempe
If you are facing sex trafficking charges in Tempe, Arizona, your actions immediately following the charges can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Taking the proper steps can help protect your rights and build a strong defense.
- Invoke your right to counsel
- Seek legal representation immediately
- Preserve all communications relating to your case
- Document all interactions with law enforcement
- Avoid speaking publicly about your case
Being accused of a serious sex crime can cause severe stress. A seasoned sex trafficking defense lawyer in Tempe will be able to evaluate the strength of the state’s case against you and give you tailored advice.
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Get StartedLegal and Personal Impacts of a Sex Trafficking Conviction in Tempe
Being convicted of sex trafficking in Arizona leads to life-altering consequences. Legally, the penalties are incredibly harsh. If found guilty by a factfinder, prison time is virtually inevitable. Potential consequences include:
- Sex Offender Registration: If convicted, you must adhere to the sex offender registration requirements in Arizona, which come with strict restrictions on residence, travel, and employment.
- Fines and Restitution: Arizona courts can impose hefty fines or order defendants to pay restitution to the victim for costs of counseling, medical care, or other losses.
- Felony Record: A Class 2 felony conviction will likely permanently remain on one’s record. Whether a sex crime can be sealed in Arizona hinges on whether your Tempe criminal defense lawyer can successfully petition the court to seal it, which is especially challenging with sex trafficking cases.
The personal consequences are equally daunting. Finding employment or housing becomes extremely difficult with such a conviction visible in background checks. Relationships can be strained or lost, and families often suffer severe emotional and financial stress. For a personalized assessment of legal and personal risks, consult a knowledgeable attorney such as a Tempe sex trafficking defense attorney.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Sex Trafficking Laws in Arizona
Arizona’s laws against sex trafficking are among the strictest in the nation. Two key statutes address this crime. The first is A.R.S. § 13-1307, which covers sex trafficking, and A.R.S. § 13-3212, which covers child sex trafficking. The term “traffic” is broadly defined as enticing, recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining a person. Sex trafficking is a Class 2 felony, one of the most serious felony levels in Arizona.
Sex Trafficking
This law applies mainly to adult victims. It is unlawful to “knowingly traffic another person who is eighteen years of age or older.” It is illegal to cause another person to engage in prostitution or sex acts through th use of deception, force, or coercion.
Child Sex Trafficking
This statute addresses any kind of sexual exploitation involving minors related to prostitution. In simple terms, any action involving a minor in commercial sex acts, such as arranging these acts, profiting from them, transporting the minor, or participating as a customer, is considered child sex trafficking.
Unlike adult trafficking, it doesn’t matter whether the complaining witness alleges force or fraud; the law assumes minors are always victims. Child sex trafficking is also a Class 2 felony, and sentences may be enhanced if the victim is a child under 15 years old.
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Common Charges in Sex Trafficking Cases
A sex trafficking situation often involves multiple related offenses. While “sex trafficking” is a charge in and of itself, Prosecutors in Tempe and across Arizona may charge a defendant with an array of crimes depending on the allegations. Common charges associated with sex trafficking cases include:
- Pandering or Procuring: persuading, recruiting, or causing someone to become a prostitute
- Receiving Earnings of a Prostitute: profiting financially from another person’s acts of prostitution
- Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation: using communication (often online) to solicit a minor for sexual acts
- Conspiracy or Attempt: planning or attempting to commit sex trafficking or related offenses, which can be charged even if the crime was not completed
Crimes related to sex trafficking, like pandering or child luring, are also felonies in Arizona. Every case is unique, so if you are unsure about charges, seek professional help as soon as possible. At Suzuki Law Offices, we are equipped with former federal prosecutors on our team, which provides us with a deep understanding of the strategies prosecutors employ and how to effectively counter them.
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Defense Strategies Our Tempe Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyers Use
Facing a sex trafficking charge can feel overwhelming, but remember that a charge is not a conviction. There are several defense strategies a knowledgeable attorney can explore to fight the allegations. Success in these cases often comes down to challenging the prosecution’s evidence and narrative.
Consent
Evidence that the adult engaged in prostitution voluntarily can thus undermine a sex trafficking charge. It will still be necessary to explain your relationship to the alleged victim if utilizing this defense, and communications between the complaining witness and the defendant will be vital in construing consent.
Absence of Force, Fraud, or Coercion
Closely related to consent is highlighting the absence of force, fraud, or coercion. Here, your lawyer would argue that the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof regarding these critical elements. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally used deception, threats, violence, or other coercion to cause the person to engage in prostitution.
Lack of Credibility
Because sex trafficking cases typically rely heavily on the alleged victim’s testimony and sometimes on informants or undercover officers, attacking their credibility by exposing inconsistencies, ulterior motives, or unreliability may be an effective defense strategy.
Ultimately, every case is different. Your lawyer will work with you to develop the best strategy for you. It is essential that you communicate as much as possible about your case to your lawyer, so they can create a strategy that is effectively tailored.
Suzuki Law Offices is the Criminal Defense Firm You Can Trust
At Suzuki Law Offices, we understand how overwhelming and debilitating sex trafficking allegations may be. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through each step of the legal process, managing your case with sensitivity and diligence.
Let us help you find the right sex trafficking defense attorney in Tempe to vigorously advocate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected.
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