Houston Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer

Houston Human Trafficking Defense Attorney

Human trafficking charges can result in lifelong, detrimental consequences. The U.S. aggressively prosecutes this crime and has enhanced preventative measures against the offense under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). If charges have been assigned to you, it is crucial to find a reputable Houston human trafficking defense lawyer to advocate for you. We can keep you informed of your rights while you navigate this distressing time.

Get Human Trafficking Defense with Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C.

Nicole DeBorde of Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., has over 26 years of prosecution experience. As a skilled defense attorney, she prioritizes thorough and aggressive preparation to achieve a strong defense against criminal charges. Her reputation has drawn the attention and favor of public officials who are facing criminal charges of their own. By choosing the team at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., you are choosing an experienced, respected, and dedicated advocate for your case.

Defining Human Trafficking

Human trafficking encompasses a number of offenses involving sex trafficking and forced labor. Whether an individual was brought into a trafficking situation or was born into it, trafficking is defined by its relationship to force, fraud, and coercion.

Hiring an Aggressive Advocate to Defend Your Case

The consequences of such a serious charge against you can extend beyond imprisonment, affecting future opportunities for parole, career prospects, and family life. Having an aggressive advocate is imperative to achieving promising results now and for your future. When you are represented by a reputable law firm like ours, your case is a priority. We can devote more time to crafting a defense that maximizes your success.

How Are Human Trafficking Charges Investigated?

These types of charges can begin with tips from the public and referrals from local law enforcement agencies. Although the TVPA grants authority to the FBI to investigate instances of human trafficking, it is a collaborative effort from many agencies, including:

• FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces
• The Anti-Trafficking Coordination Team Initiative
• The Enhanced Collaborative Model Human Trafficking Program

To combat these offenses, the United States addresses them through the prosecution of traffickers, protection for victims, and prevention efforts. These components make up a “3P” paradigm widely followed within many organizations.

What Constitutes a Human Trafficking Charge?

Human trafficking can be broken down into more specific charges. However, a factor necessary to define human trafficking as a prosecutable offense includes the use/threat of force, fraud, or coercion.

• Sex Trafficking – This occurs when sexual acts are forced onto individuals for a commercial purpose. It is not necessary to prove that the individual was forced into a sex act if that individual was a minor.
• Labor Trafficking – When an individual is forced or threatened to perform labor, this is considered labor trafficking.
• Peonage (debt servitude) – Like labor trafficking, debt servitude involves threatening or forcing an individual into labor under the pretense of paying a debt.
• Domestic Servitude – Domestic servitude occurs when a household employee, such as a nanny or housekeeper, is being controlled and exploited.

Penalties for Human Trafficking Charges

Penalties for these charges differ based on the severity of the offense. If the crime involves abduction, sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, this penalty may be more severe. Following or in addition to potential terms of imprisonment, you may be fined or forced to make restitution to the victims. The consequences of a human trafficking charge can also follow you into any prospective career and housing opportunities.

In Houston, Texas an aggressive defense against your charges is essential in helping you maintain your rights and advocate for your future. An effective criminal defense lawyer should be capable of crafting a strong defense strategy on your behalf.

Trusted Legal Counsel at Every Step

If you have already been charged and prosecuted for human trafficking, there may still be a way for us to help. Some charges may have major, unalterable consequences. Our team at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., is prepared to fight the terms of parole and probation, as well as file appeals at the federal and state level.

FAQs

How Do You Defend Against Human Trafficking Charges?

To defend against human trafficking charges, an attorney will often instill doubt in the prosecutor’s argument and claims. A prosecutor’s goal during a criminal case is to prove that the crimes occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. It will not be necessary to rely on victim testimonials to prove that a crime was committed.

How Much Is a Settlement for Human Trafficking?

The cost of a human trafficking settlement is entirely dependent on the severity of the crime committed. Additionally, you may incur individual fines and requests for restitution from the victim(s). Calculating a settlement for any case is complicated and should be discussed in further detail with your attorney.

How Are Human Trafficking Cases Solved?

Human trafficking cases are solved by collecting enough evidence that a case can be proven without relying on human testimony. Due to sustained emotional trauma or inconsistent recollection, victim testimony can be scrutinized and discredited. Prosecutors work with investigators to gather evidence that will corroborate the victim’s claims. This evidence can include witnesses, physical/forensic evidence, and electronic records.

While the prosecutor’s job is to prove the crime occurred beyond a reasonable doubt, it is the defense’s job to instill doubt and prevent a conviction.

What Law Enforcement Body Fights Human Trafficking?

Law enforcement bodies fighting human trafficking exist on a federal, state, and local level. Their goal is to support victims and increase accountability for people charged with this crime, which is often achieved through widespread collaboration between agencies. However, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act passed in 2000, granted the FBI statutory authority to investigate cases of human trafficking.

Contact an Experienced Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer at Houston’s Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C.

Our team of highly respected attorneys at Hochglaube & DeBorde, P.C., understands the serious repercussions and longstanding penalties of serious criminal charges. To discuss how we can advocate for you, contact our Houston defense attorneys to schedule a consultation today.