Human Trafficking

Because of its proximity to the border, Texas is a hotspot for human trafficking. According to the Texas penal code, human trafficking involves soliciting, capturing, coercing, transporting, or holding an individual with the knowledge that the person will be used for forced labor or services. It is a crime to be involved with human trafficking in any way, and offenders will face heavy penalties if they are charged and convicted.

Involvement in Human Trafficking

A person may be involved with human trafficking in several different capacities. Whether an offender is involved directly or indirectly with the trafficking of a person, he or she may be found guilty of human trafficking. Additionally, anyone who benefits from a human trafficking scheme may also be charged with the offense.

Many different methods are used to keep a trafficked person for forced labor or services. These may include:

• Physical restraint
• House arrest or use of a tracking device
• Physically harming or threatening physical harm to the individual or another person
• Denying a trafficked person his or her government records, identification, or property
• Threatening to turn the person in to the police or other authorities
• Other forms of blackmail, extortion, or fear of harm or restraint

Employing any of these schemes against an individual to keep a trafficked person for forced labor or services is illegal and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If you have been charged with human trafficking, you will likely face an aggressive prosecution in court and heavy penalties if convicted. It is therefore important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case and to begin preparing your defense for court.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your human trafficking charges and legal defense, contact Austin criminal lawyer Ian Inglis today at 512-472-1950.