Facing a Sex Trafficking Charge in Minnesota?

Sex trafficking is a serious offense under Minnesota’s law. Quite frankly, a sex trafficking charge in Minnesota can be life-altering. Lengthy jail terms and hefty fines are part and parcel of the penalties that you stand to face if you’re successfully convicted. On top of the legal consequences, you’ll have a ruined record that may bar you from accessing or taking advantage of opportunities in the future.

Although sex trafficking is seriously prosecuted in Minnesota, you still stand a chance of defending yourself even when there is merit to the charges. In other words, you shouldn’t admit guilt. Instead, you need a competent and qualified attorney to help you avoid the stringent penalties and other consequences associated with the charge.

Here is a breakdown of the law governing sex trafficking in Minnesota, the potential penalties you stand to face if convicted and how a sex trafficking attorney in Minnesota can help you.

Understanding Sex Trafficking in Minnesota

Sex trafficking under Minnesota’s law is defined as the recruiting, receiving, harboring, enticing, obtaining, or providing an individual for prostitution or aiding in the prostitution of that individual in any way. In the same token, sex trafficking can be construed to mean the receipt of money or anything of profit from the act of sex trafficking.

Sex trafficking isn’t prosecuted under state law only. At the federal level, it is prosecuted seriously, and certain aggravating factors may enhance your sentence if you are successfully convicted of the offense. As such, it is imperative to seek help from a sex trafficking attorney in Minnesota to help you defend yourself against the charges.

Potential Penalties for Sex Trafficking in Minnesota

If you are charged with sex trafficking, and the prosecution manages to prove that you are culpable, you may end up facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of 50,000 if the victim is an adult.

On the other hand, if the victim is a minor below the age of 18 years, the maximum sentence is 20 years. A fine of up to 50,000 may accompany this.

Apart from the potential penalties, certain aggravating factors may affect your case and, in fact, enhance your sentence. For example, if you have a previous conviction of sex trafficking or the Victim (s) sustained bodily harm, the sentencing and the fines may be enhanced to your detriment.

How can a Sex Trafficking Attorney in Minnesota help you?

A conviction of sex trafficking in Minnesota can impact your life severely. As such, it is imperative to have a competent and qualified sex trafficking attorney from the onset. Quite frankly, an attorney is one of the most valuable assets you can have while facing any criminal charges in Minnesota. This is because they not only accord you legal representation but also secure your best interests.

Having said that, the following are some of the benefits of having a sex trafficking attorney in Minnesota :

Help You Understand the Law

The sex trafficking law in Minnesota is very convoluted. This makes it even harder for residents in the jurisdiction facing criminal charges to navigate the criminal justice system easily. What’s more, you may find it challenging to understand the complex provisions governing sex trafficking.

However, having an attorney who understands all the substantive and procedural laws relating to sex trafficking will make it easier for you to defend yourself against the charges successfully and, at the same time, navigate the criminal justice system with ease.

Protect your Interests

On top of providing you with legal representation, your attorney will ensure that your best interests are protected. In essence, they will ensure that your Miranda rights aren’t violated, and if they are, then the responsible party is held culpable.

Help Build a Robust Defense

In order for your charges to be quashed or dropped altogether, you must convince the court that you are innocent. This is not always easy.

However, with a criminal defense attorney, you have an asset who can help you build a strong defense against the prosecution. Put briefly, your criminal defense attorney can help invoke certain defenses relevant to your case. This is to the effect that the prosecution’s evidence will be impeached or made inadmissible in court, making it easier for you to secure a favorable outcome.