Denver Child Trafficking Lawyer

Denver Child Trafficking Attorney

Human trafficking, especially when it involves children, is a terrible tragedy and a topic of much discussion in today’s world, thanks to everything from news reports to sensationalized movie studio productions. Individuals involved in real-world human trafficking, however, are more likely to improve their situation through hiring a competent law firm than through a Hollywood-style action sequence. Whether you are a victim of human trafficking who wants to use the legal system to hold your abuser accountable or an individual who has been wrongfully accused of human trafficking and is in need of powerful defense, the team at The Law Center P.C. of Denver, Colorado can help you move forward and see a brighter tomorrow.

If you or someone you know is facing allegations or legal actions related to sex crimes, child prostitution, human trafficking, or crimes against children in Denver or the surrounding area, it is essential to immediately seek powerful legal representation. The consequences of these sorts of charges can be extremely severe and can have a lifelong impact on the parties involved, including both the victims of this heinous underground economy, as well as the wrongfully accused. On the flip side, bringing civil charges against a trafficker can be extremely difficult without a comprehensive and well-thought-out legal strategy. Regardless of what your specific role in the case is, representation from The Law Center P.C. can help maximize your chances for a good outcome.

When you have been implicated in child trafficking or sex crimes, it can feel like you have already been judged in the court of public opinion before you ever get your day in an actual courtroom. People – not just the general public but also police and prosecutors – understandably have a fierce reaction to such crimes and want to do everything they can to put the abusers and exploiters of children and other at-risk individuals behind bars. As with other types of criminal cases, however, the system can sometimes be prone to error and overzealousness. Only a competent legal defense can ensure that the real facts get laid out in a coherent manner for everyone to see so that your side of the story is told in an effective and clear way before any judgment or sentence is handed down.

At The Law Center P.C., we understand the gravity of these sensitive issues, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate legal assistance to individuals and families in need. We are here to get the truth out and see justice served so that everyone involved can heal and move forward in their lives.

Understanding Child Trafficking and Related Sex Crimes in the Real World

Human trafficking is a deeply troubling and damaging crime that involves the recruitment, seizing, transportation, harboring, or receipt of human beings for the purpose of exploitation. This often includes sexual exploitation and other forms of forced labor. This heinous crime only becomes more disturbing when you consider that many of its victims are minor children.

Child trafficking is a serious offense under both federal and Colorado state law and carries extremely serious penalties, not to mention lifelong social stigma for those who are convicted. Related charges, such as child prostitution, other sex crimes, and those related to illegal labor practices, can also carry significant legal consequences.

In recent years, the issues of sex trafficking and child trafficking have gained significant attention. Unfortunately, alongside the many legitimate concerns about this grave issue, there has also been a surge in fantastical and conspiracy-driven narratives about human trafficking. While it is essential to address the real-world problems of human trafficking with sensitivity and decisive action, it can be equally crucial to differentiate fact from fiction:

• Misinformation and Exaggerating for Clout – Human trafficking is a major topic of discussion in many popular online spaces, especially those adjacent to political discussion and conspiracy enthusiasts. This creates a space for “influencers” hungry for views and clicks to create exaggerated or completely fictional narratives about human trafficking and propagate them among the credulous. While this is sometimes justified as a way to draw attention to a legitimate problem, misinforming the public about serious societal issues is a serious problem in itself. These narratives often rely on exaggerated statistics or unreliable sources to feed off a sense of panic for the sake of nothing more than internet exposure.
• A Lack of Evidence – Many of the conspiracy-driven narratives about human trafficking notably lack any material evidence to support their assertions. “Popular” stories about human trafficking invariably draw on anecdotal stories and dubious sources, leading to the proliferation of misleading or outright false information about this serious societal ill. This paradigm–where stories are enthusiastically spread without validating evidence–can, unfortunately, lead to a culture where harmful stereotypes and unfounded allegations are the norm.
• What Human Trafficking Actually Looks Like – In contrast, many reputable non-profit organizations and governmental agencies work tirelessly to collect real data on sex trafficking and child trafficking, which is often much different than conspiracy-tinged narratives. For one, the vast majority of trafficking victims are victimized by their own relatives, partners, or other persons who have trusted authority positions in their life. While the problem is undoubtedly serious, it’s important for everyone to have a better idea of what human trafficking actually looks like in practice. The “strange man in a white van” is largely a trope of media and urban legend, while the abusive father or boyfriend selling a teen into sexual slavery is an all too common and all too real scenario.
• Understanding Scale and Scope – Fantastical narratives that make for good movies and social media posts often portray sex trafficking and child trafficking as widespread global conspiracies that involve powerful organizations or high-profile individuals. While it is very true that trafficking networks can be extremely sophisticated and well organized, and can indeed be well funded, and may even involve persons employed by government agencies, the scale of these networks is not as vast or interconnected as popular narratives suggest. In reality, the scale and style of sex trafficking activities vary greatly from region to region. Accurate statistics help to shed light on the true extent of the problem, as well as its real roots, allowing law enforcement and reputable nonprofit organizations to focus their efforts as strategically as possible.
• Identifying the True Victims – One of the worst parts about conspiracy-driven trafficking narratives is that the environment of politicized paranoia they create can regularly result in innocent people being accused of crimes, which undermines legitimate efforts in a number of ways. False accusations take time and energy from law enforcement efforts and, in turn, prevent real victims of sex trafficking from getting the help and resources they need. They also put innocent people’s reputations, livelihoods, and futures at risk simply because a nosy neighbor decided they were “acting suspicious.”

The Importance of Legal Representation

While the issue of sex trafficking and child trafficking demands serious attention and action, so does being falsely accused of these dire crimes. To battle sex trafficking issues effectively in the real world, we must rely on real data, real stories, and, when called for, aggressive legal representation. The Law Center P.C. is ready to help you through the most challenging trafficking-related cases, regardless of your role.

FAQs

Human trafficking, child trafficking, and sex crimes are complex, interrelated legal issues. It is natural for anyone involved in such a case to have plenty of questions about how it works. If the following FAQ does not address your specific concerns, please contact The Law Center P.C. for personalized guidance.

Q: Who Investigates Human Trafficking Cases?

A: Human trafficking charges can be investigated by a variety of local, state, and federal agencies. Larger human trafficking rings and operations backed by criminal organizations like cartels or street gangs are often of great interest to federal agencies like the FBI and DHS. The most skilled personnel available are often put on these cases due to the seriousness of the crimes and the inevitable media interest. In the State of Colorado, senior State Police detectives often get involved in trafficking cases.

Q: What Is the Sentence for Child Trafficking?

A: The sentence for trafficking charges can vary depending on the specific nature of the crime, the perpetrator’s previous criminal history, whether you’re being charged in state or federal court, and any additional charges pursuant to the case. In Colorado, legislators have enacted a legal framework specifically for dealing with human trafficking charges. Under these rules, any form of sex trafficking involving minor children is automatically categorized as a Class 3 Felony–that can mean up to 12 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.

Q: Why Are Human Trafficking Cases Difficult to Prosecute?

A: Human trafficking cases, like any other complex criminal matter, can prove difficult to prosecute for any number of reasons. One common roadblock in effectively prosecuting real-world trafficking cases is that the perpetrator is often a close relative of the victim. A parent victimizing their own child may be able to manipulate their child’s testimony in court, as one example.

Q: What Evidence Is Needed for Human Trafficking?

A: As with any other crime, individuals charged with human trafficking in the United States are considered innocent until proven guilty. This means the prosecution must gather compelling evidence in order to win their case. The evidence for child trafficking and sex trafficking cases can consist of witness testimony, victim testimony, and expert testimony, but some of the most compelling and hard-to-refute evidence will often consist of traces of biological matter like blood, saliva, skin, and other such so-called “hard” evidence that can be analyzed through forensic methods.

The Law Center P.C., Your Trusted Team for Trafficking Cases in Colorado

If you or someone you know is involved in allegations of sex trafficking, child trafficking, or human trafficking, and is in need of robust legal assistance, contact The Law Center P.C. at your earliest convenience to arrange a consultation with our compassionate and highly professional legal team. Our well-trained lawyers and world-class support staff are ready to guide you through this dark and challenging time and put you on the path to a better tomorrow.