The criminal offense of human trafficking is covered under California Penal Code Section 236.1. Back in 2012, California voters passed new stricter human trafficking laws under Proposition 35, which is commonly known as the “Californians Against Sexual Exploitation Act.”
This new law not only expanded the legal definition to include the distribution of child pornography, but it also provided new tougher legal penalties for anyone convicted of human trafficking.
For instance, a conviction for human trafficking involving children could lead to a life sentence in a California state prison, a stark reminder of the severe consequences of this crime.
Moreover, a human trafficking conviction carries the lifelong burden of registering as a sex offender and disclosing internet activity, a reminder of the enduring consequences of this crime.
Additionally, the new law makes it easier for Los Angeles County prosecutors to pursue a human trafficking case because it adds Penal Code Sections that allow more evidence to be presented in court, such as sex crimes, and it eliminates certain elements of the crime, including the mistake of a minor's age.
So, what exactly is considered human trafficking in California? In basic terms, it's a crime involving compelling or coercing an individual to provide labor or services or to engage in commercial sexual-related acts. Coercion is the act of persuading someone to do something by use of force or threats.
It can be subtle or overt, physical or even psychological. In many human trafficking cases in Los Angeles County, coercion involves the use of violence, threats, or lies. For instance, promising a better life in a foreign country and then forcing the victim into prostitution is a form of coercion.
Any type of exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is considered human trafficking, regardless if any type of force, fraud, or coercion was used. In spite of the name, human trafficking doesn't require travel or transportation of the victim across borders.
In Los Angeles County, many victims of sex trafficking are runaway or homeless youth who come from a background of physical or sexual abuse. A conviction for human trafficking is a serious situation in California, as the courts can double prison terms in certain circumstances.
If you find yourself accused of human trafficking, it's crucial to act swiftly and seek legal representation. Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at Eisner Gorin LLP immediately. Under no circumstances should you make any statements to law enforcement.
Their main goal is to build a solid human trafficking case against you to obtain a conviction. That's what they do. If you make statements to law enforcement, you might unintentionally incriminate yourself, and you can be sure it will be used against you later in court.
Our criminal defense attorneys will thoroughly review all the details of your case, including the evidence against you and any potential defenses, to prepare a solid defense strategy and keep you informed at every step of the process. Now that we have discussed the basic overview of a California human trafficking offense above let's take a closer look at the legal definitions below.
California Penal Code Section 236.1 – Human Trafficking
Under California Penal Code Section 236.1, the legal definition of human trafficking will depend on the penal code section of the relevant statute. However, the legal definition includes:
- Any person who deprives or violates the personal liberty of another with the intent to obtain forced labor or services, procure or sell the person for commercial sex, or exploit them in an obscene matter is guilty of human trafficking.
Depriving or violating someone's liberty legally means substantial and sustained restriction of their liberty, which is accomplished by:
- fraud,
- deceit,
- coercion,
- violence,
- duress, or
- threat of injury to the victim or another person.
This would have to include circumstances where the individual receiving the threat reasonably believes it's likely the person making the threat would actually carry it out. Forced labor or services means work provided by someone obtained through force, fraud, or coercion.
The closely related California Penal Code Section 236.1(b) covers human trafficking for the purpose pimping, child pornography, and extortion. It's legally defined as depriving another person of their personal liberty with the intent to violate several specific criminal offenses. These sexual-related offenses include:
- California Penal Code Section 266 - Enticing a Female Under 18 to Engage in Prostitution,
- California Penal Code Section 266h – Pimping,
- California Penal Code Section 266i – Pandering,
- California Penal Code Section 266j - Procurement of a Child Under 16 for Lewd or Lascivious Acts,
- California Penal Code Section 267 - Abduction of a Person Under 18 for Prostitution,
- California Penal Code Section 311.1 and 311.2 – Transportation or Distribution of Child Pornography,
- California Penal Code Section 311.3 - Developing, Duplicating, Printing, or Exchanging Child Pornography,
- California Penal Code Section 311.4 – Employment of Minors to Participate in Child Pornography,
- California Penal Code Section 311.5 - Advertising Obscene Material,
- California Penal Code Section 311.6 - Production of Obscene Live Performances,
- California Penal Code Section 518 – Extortion or Blackmail.
California Penal Code Section 236.1(c) covers human trafficking with minors to engage in commercial sex. Under this law, there is a separate legal definition of sex trafficking of a juvenile, which is to induce, persuade, or attempt to cause them to engage in a commercial sex act. California massage parlors often engage in illegal activities, such as solicitation of prostitution.
It should be noted this legal definition does not require depriving another person of their personal liberty. Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer at our law firm for more information.
Legal Penalties for a Human Trafficking Conviction
The legal penalties for a human trafficking conviction in violation of California Penal Code Section 236.1 will depend on what specific section you were convicted of. However, it's always a felony offense. The legal penalties include:
- If convicted of Penal Code Section 236.1(a), which is depriving another individual of their liberty with the intent to obtain forced labor or services, the legal penalties can include up to 12 years in a California state prison, a fine up to $500,000, and formal probation.
- If convicted of Penal Code Section 236.1(b), which is depriving another individual of their liberty with the intent to commit pimping, pandering, child pornography, or extortion, the legal penalties can include up to 20 years in a California state prison, a fine up $500,000, formal felony probation, and lifetime registration as a sex offender under Penal Code Section 290, California's Sex Offender Registration Act.
- If convicted of Penal Code Section 236.1(c), which is persuading or attempting to persuade a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, the legal penalties can include up to 12 years in a California state prison, a fine up to $500,000, formal felony probation, and registration as a sex offender.
However, suppose you used force, fear, fraud, deceit, coercion, violence, or threat of injury to the victim or another individual in order to commit this crime. In that case, the potential California state prison sentence increases to 15 years to life.
In addition, you will face an additional sentence of 5,7, or 10 years in a California state prison if you inflicted great bodily injury on the victim when committing or attempting to commit a human trafficking crime. There is a three-tier sex offender registration system in California. If you need more information about potential legal penalties or defenses, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at our law office.
Legal Defenses Against Human Trafficking Charges
As you can see from the potential legal penalties listed above, a human trafficking conviction in California can result in significant life-changing consequences. A highly experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer from our law firm can use a variety of legal defenses on your behalf. These defenses include:
- You didn't deprive the alleged victim of their liberty—In some cases, our criminal lawyers may be able to argue that the alleged victim was always free to leave their employment and that you did nothing to make them believe they were being forced to stay.
- False accusation – In some cases, our attorneys may be able to argue the employee had a motive, such as anger or revenge, to accuse you of human trafficking falsely. We may be able to show the alleged victim was attempting to gain sympathy or favorable treatment for themselves.
It's important to note that every human traffic case has its own unique facts and circumstances. Our law firm will need to first closely examine the specific allegations and evidence to develop an effective defense strategy.
A human trafficking accusation is a serious situation that requires highly experienced legal representation. Call a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Eisner Gorin LLP to thoroughly review your case and talk about your best legal options. Our law firm offers a free immediate response. Call our office at 877-781-1570.
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