Defending Trafficking Of Persons Charges in San Antonio and Bexar County

In Bexar County, the legal term for human trafficking is trafficking of persons. This crime is categorized as a felony in Bexar County and the state of Texas. If convicted of this crime, the punishment and long-term consequences are steep. You are facing jail time, hefty fines, and a criminal record.

Review Your Human Trafficking Case With An Attorney Today

Criminal defense attorney Castro has the skill and experience you are looking for. He understands the law surrounding human trafficking cases and has a track record of successful case wins involving felony crimes. More importantly, he has helped many clients achieve outcomes ranging from: dismissed charges, reduced felonies, lighter sentences, and avoiding a criminal record. Get help now!

Schedule a free consultation today. You pay nothing at all, and you will receive free guidance and answers you have been looking for.

Can You Fight A Trafficking Case?

Yes, with an attorney every case can have a substantially better outcome than if you did not have an attorney representing you. According to historical data (court records), your chances of a positive outcome are increased when you have a criminal defense attorney defending you. Not just any attorney, but a criminal defense attorney.

You Can Rely On Attorney Castro

• Develop a Defense: Attorney Castro brings education, knowledge, and skill to your case defense. He will thoroughly review all evidence and identify weaknesses in the case against you. His ultimate goal is to have your charges reduced and avoid a conviction and criminal record.
• Protect Your Rights: He will make sure the police and prosecutors respect your constitutional rights from beginning to end. This includes starting from the moment you were arrested or the investigation began (knowingly or unknowingly).
• Negotiating Deals: He is a skilled negotiator, and the prosecutors know he won’t back down from a fight. He knows how to get your charges and penalties reduced when the circumstances are in your favor.
• Representation: You have a partner and advocate on your side throughout the entire proceeding from beginning to end. He is also skilled in trial law and knows how to present evidence and arguments to support your innocence. If a conviction is unavoidable, he knows how to mitigate the damage.

Trafficking Of Persons in San Antonio and Bexar County

If you were arrested in Bexar County, the District Attorney’s Office recently established a dedicated Human Trafficking Task Force. Their directive is to aggressively prosecute anyone caught committing a trafficking offense.

Understanding Human Trafficking Laws in Texas

In Texas, human trafficking is called trafficking of persons under state law. It can be found under Texas Penal Code § 20A.02. This law covers both sex and labor trafficking crimes.

Although it may be obvious, let’s discuss the differences and what defines each crime. You want an attorney that understands the law and knows how to use it to defend you. For example, below you can see “intent” and “knowingly” are used.

Details:

• Trafficking of Persons: You can be arrested if you knowingly trafficked another person while knowing they would be used for forced labor and services.
• Sex Trafficking: You can be charged with human trafficking if the trafficked person will be forced into or engaged in prostitution or any other sexually related criminal offenses.
• Sexually Related Crimes: These types of offenses are found under Section 43.25 of the Texas Penal Code. Sexual conduct is loosely defined as “acts such as sexual contact, sexual intercourse, and deviate sexual intercourse.”

Legal Consequences and Penalties

The classifications of penalties for this offense can be found under Texas Penal Code § 20A.02, based on the type of act the victim was involved in. All human trafficking charges are classified as a felony in Texas, meaning prison time and large fines are involved.

Texas law categorizes penalties based on the age of the person trafficked:

Trafficking for Forced Labor or Services (Adults):

• Second-degree felony
• 2 to 20 years in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Trafficking for Sexual Conduct:

• First-degree felony
• 5 to 99 years or life in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Trafficking of Minors (Under 18):

• First-degree felony
• 5 to 99 years or life in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Enhanced Penalties: Within 1,000 feet of a school or if the crime involved a victim from a vulnerable population (e.g., homeless shelter residents).

Federal Investigations and Human Trafficking Cases

Human traffickers are often investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), or the DEA. This is because trafficking is big business for organized crime groups like cartels and other organizations.

So what happens if a federal investigation is ongoing and, during this time, the people assisting them in this crime are arrested for “trafficking of persons” by county or state police?

The stakes are higher in federal court. The federal system is vastly different from the state system due to its larger budget, resources, and stricter sentencing guidelines.

Plea deals tend to be harsher, and prosecutors are less willing to negotiate. Federal laws and procedures are more complex, and judges have lifetime appointments, with limited discretion in sentencing.

Differences Between Federal and State Penalties:

• State Penalties: Always a felony, with 2 to 99 years in prison (including life), and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Federal Penalties: Up to a life sentence, especially if minors or aggravated circumstances were involved.

Additional Consequences:

• Mandatory sex offender registration (for sex trafficking cases)
• Loss of professional licenses (CDL, PPL, CPL)
• Deportation for non-citizens
• Loss of constitutional rights such as travel and firearm possession
• Barriers to employment, housing, and education due to a criminal record

Schedule a Free 1 on 1 Case Review Today

If you have been arrested or are being investigated for this crime, you can schedule a free consultation with Attorney Castro right now. Just pick up the phone and call or send us an email here.