Human and Sex Trafficking Offenses
Human trafficking is the practice of trading human beings to exploit them for their physical capabilities through force, coercion, or fraud. Humans are trafficked worldwide at an alarming rate to fulfill several purposes. Humans may be trafficked for the extraction of their vital organs and tissue, involuntary labor, the fulfillment of forced marriages, or prostitution. Traffickers often lure victims away from their troubled lives with promises of stability, desirable job opportunities, or a romantic relationship. They may pursue several forceful or abusive techniques to control their victims and prevent escape.
Florida is a prime state for human trafficking. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery that denies freedom to billions around the world. Men and women of all ages are victims of trafficking. To crack down on this practice, lawmakers have implemented laws which serve harsher sentences to those convicted of human and sex trafficking offenses. If you are under investigation for alleged involvement in human or sex trafficking crimes in West Palm Beach, veteran attorney Brian Gabriel can construct a solid defense that aggressively protects your interests and reputation.
Florida is a Zero-Tolerance State for Human Trafficking
Human and sex trafficking are modern forms of slavery by Florida law. In July 2012, laws surrounding human trafficking toughened as Attorney General Pam Bondi committed to taking a tougher stance on the crime. Changes in the law include:
- Increasing the penalty for a human smuggling charge from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony.
- Registering individuals convicted of human sex trafficking offenses as sex offenders and sexual predators.
- Allowing any property used for human trafficking to be subject to forfeiture.
- Requiring massage parlors and their employees to show photo identification when asked.
Among the unintended consequences of stricter laws for human and sex trafficking is the vulnerability of innocent business owners and employees facing investigation after unknowingly rendering services to traffickers. Business owners and employees are increasingly being investigated to determine if they were involved in the commission of these crimes for simply doing their jobs. If you are subjected to a criminal investigation for alleged involvement in a human trafficking case, you deserve the tough representation of an attorney who will ensure your rights are protected at every step of the criminal justice process.
Those who admit to being involved in a human or sex trafficking case also deserve quality representation. Brian Gabriel fights for those who have admitted to being involved in a human or sex trafficking case in West Palm Beach and will see to it that their rights are protected throughout the resolution of the case.
West Palm Beach Human Trafficking Defense Attorney Brian Gabriel
At The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel, Brian Gabriel has worked diligently to provide aggressive defense to those facing criminal consequences for felony sex offenses like human trafficking. Brian understands that no two cases are the same. With over 30 years of experience defending those accused of a myriad of offenses in West Palm Beach, Brian Gabriel is the human trafficking defense attorney you need to secure your future. Call 561-622-5575 or contact us online for a free consultation.
