Philadelphia Sex Trafficking Lawyer

There are countless types of crimes you could be accused of committing under the Pennsylvania criminal code. However, there are a few that carry penalties as severe as sex trafficking. Like most sex crimes, sex trafficking convictions come with extreme consequences that could permanently change the course of your life. When you have been accused of forcing someone into service or labor, the judge and jury are going to take your trial seriously. In these situations, law enforcement officials want to see someone pay for the trauma the alleged victim endured. 

Do not let yourself become the scapegoat. Take action to protect your future and clear the name of the allegations against you. With the legal knowledge and resources of a strategically aggressive Philadelphia sex trafficking lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices, you have an opportunity to dodge a conviction and get back to your life. Contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation today. When you do, you can discuss your charges with your Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer and learn if they will be elevated to the federal level, the possible penalties you could be facing, and potential defense options.

When Can You Be Charged With Sex Trafficking in Philadelphia?

The statute for sex trafficking in PA can be found under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3011(a)(1) and (2). This is generally tried as a second-degree felony. This means you have been accused of subjecting someone else to forced labor or services. There are multiple charges that could come with sex trafficking charges, including:

• Sex crimes
• Child pornography 
• Exploiting undocumented workers
• Facilitating illegal adoptions
• Furnishing cheap labor 
• Promoting sexual slavery 
• Rape
• Sexual abuse of a minor 
• Smuggling undocumented immigrants  

If convicted, you could spend up to $100,000 in fines and up to ten years in prison. But remember, if you are charged with additional criminal offenses related to sex trafficking, those sentences could be served concurrently or consecutively, depending on the precise details of your case. 

Sex Offender Registration Requirements for Sex Trafficking Convictions 

You will likely be required to register as a sex offender if you are convicted of sex trafficking. According to PA’s Megan’s Law, the amount of time you will be expected to register on the Pennsylvania sex offender registry depends on your tier designation. For individuals labeled a tier 1 sex offender, you may need to register every year for a minimum of 15 years. However, if you are labeled a tier 3 sex offender, you will need to re-register your status every 90 days for the rest of your life.

The sex offender registry in PA is maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police. When you register as a sex offender, a substantial portion of your identifying information will be made available to the public. Some of this information might include:

• Your sex offender designation
• Your eye and hair color
• The crime you were convicted of
• Your home address
• Whether the victim in the case was a minor
• Whether you have any scars, marks, or identifying tattoos
• Your aliases

Philadelphia Sex Trafficking FAQ

Do Sex Traffickers Get Bail?

The judge has the discretion to determine whether you should be granted bail when you are accused of a crime as serious as sex trafficking. There are many factors the judge will be taking into consideration during your arraignment. Some of these factors include:

• The number of alleged victims in your case
• Whether the alleged victims suffered serious bodily injury or death
• Whether the threat or use of force was involved
• Whether you have ties to the community
• Whether you have a criminal record of similar charges or convictions
• Whether the judge believes you are likely to flee

If the judge has confidence that you are not a danger to the community, they may be willing to grant bail. It is possible that they will grant bail but with the bond at an amount you cannot afford. If this is the case, you may need to work with a bail bondsman to secure your release. If you are denied bail, you will remain incarcerated until your court date.

Can a Sex Trafficking Conviction Be Expunged?

No, according to PA General Assembly Act 56, sex trafficking and other types of sex offenses are not eligible for expungement. If you are convicted of sex trafficking, the conviction will remain on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, there are some situations in which you may qualify for expungement. 

For instance, if you were arrested on suspicion of sex trafficking but no formal charges were filed, expungement could be granted. You may also be eligible if you were found not guilty or the charges against you were ultimately dismissed. If you are interested in finding out whether you can get your sex trafficking conviction expunged, do not hesitate to consult our Philadelphia violent crimes attorneys for answers.

Can I Get a Plea Bargain in My Sex Trafficking Case?

It is possible the district attorney will be willing to work out a plea agreement with you. In sex trafficking cases, having victims take the stand can be emotionally devastating for them, as they will have to relive the trauma of their experience. If we can convince the prosecutor that you and society would be better served by reducing the charges against you to a less serious offense or securing another type of reasonable agreement, you may be able to avoid a trial together.

As described by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), there are two different types of plea bargains that may be available. With sentence bargaining, you will agree to plead guilty in exchange for a sentence that is not as severe. With charge bargaining, we are hoping to convince the prosecutor to reduce your charges to a lesser offense if you agree to plead guilty or no contest to that lesser charge.

Get Help From a Reputable Sex Trafficking Attorney in Philadelphia Today

Victims of sex trafficking experience catastrophic injury and extreme emotional trauma as a result of the abuse they endure. For this reason, the consequences of a conviction are intended to be harsh. When you are innocent or have been accused of sex trafficking, you have the right to defend yourself. Contact a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney today.

When the stakes are this high, it is crucial that you present a powerful defense in court or secure a plea agreement with the district attorney if you hope to avoid the extensive criminal penalties that follow a guilty verdict. Turn to a trusted Philadelphia sex trafficking attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices and present the strongest defense possible based on the circumstances of your case. Complete our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.