Rockville, Maryland Sex Trafficking Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Defend Against Sex Trafficking Charges in Rockville, MD

Sex trafficking charges are often much more serious than other charges related to prostitution. These charges carry severe penalties under both Maryland law and federal law. People who are accused of sex trafficking will need to understand how to defend against these charges, and they will need an experienced criminal defense attorney on their side.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can defend clients who have been accused of sex trafficking in Rockville, throughout Maryland, or in Washington, D.C. We know how these accusations can harm reputations and relationships, and we work to help our clients defend against convictions.

What Is Considered Sex Trafficking?

Sex trafficking typically involves persuading or coercing someone to engage in commercial sexual activity. It may also involve transporting someone for the purposes of prostitution or placing them in a location where they will engage in sexual activity in exchange for payment. Situations that could lead to sex trafficking charges include:

• Using Force, Fraud, or Coercion: Manipulating or threatening someone to participate in prostitution or other sex work.
• Transportation: Transporting or arranging for the transportation of people for the purpose of prostitution.
• Online Activity: Using the internet to promote, recruit, or coordinate activities involving sex trafficking.
• Exploitation of Minors: Profiting from commercial sex involving a person under the age of 18, even if no coercion is involved.

Sex Trafficking Charges Under Maryland Law

In Maryland, a person may be charged with sex trafficking if they take someone to a place where they will engage in prostitution or harbor someone in a place of prostitution. Enticing or encouraging someone to be taken to or remain in a place of prostitution or receiving payment for doing so may also lead to criminal charges. These offenses may also involve coercion, such as holding a person's passport or other forms of ID or threatening to harm a person or someone else if they do not comply with requests.

Sex trafficking may be charged as a misdemeanor, and if convicted, a person could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fined up to $5,000. However, if sex trafficking involves a victim who is a minor, or if a person allegedly used force or threats or convinced someone to participate in prostitution through fraud or coercion, they could face felony charges. In these cases, the maximum prison sentence is 25 years, and the maximum fine is $15,000.

Federal Sex Trafficking Charges

Sex trafficking cases may be prosecuted as federal crimes in certain situations. these include:

• Interstate Transportation: Moving people across state lines to engage in commercial sexual activity can result in federal charges.
• Use of Online Platforms: Arranging for prostitution that is considered sex trafficking through websites, social media, or electronic communications may lead to federal prosecution.
• Exploitation of Minors: Allegations of trafficking minors under the age of 18 may lead to federal investigations and prosecution.

A person who is convicted of a federal sex trafficking crime may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. If a case allegedly involved kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, or attempts to kill one or more victims, the maximum sentence increases to life in prison.

The Importance of Legal Representation for Sex Trafficking Charges

The stakes of sex trafficking cases are immense. A conviction can result in a sentence of years or decades in prison, financial ruin, and permanent damage to personal and professional relationships. A strong defense is crucial to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we understand the gravity of sex trafficking charges, and our attorneys can provide the defense needed in these cases. We will review all evidence, including digital records, witness statements, and reports made by law enforcement officials and agencies. We can identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and we may be able to challenge claims of coercion or force, find inconsistencies in witness testimonies, or show that there was a lack of intent.

We will ensure that your Constitutional rights are upheld during your case. We can address any illegal searches or surveillance that may have violated your 4th Amendment rights. We will work to exclude evidence that was obtained illegally and determine other defense strategies that will help you achieve an acquittal. We may negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or other solutions that will minimize the potential penalties. However, we are always ready to defend you in a trial and fight to have you acquitted.

Our goal is to make sure you will be completely prepared to address the legal issues in your case. Before you appear in court, we will advise you on the questions you may be asked and coach you on how to answer them appropriately. We will let you know how to dress and present the best image to a judge, and we will argue for solutions that will protect your best interests.

Contact Our Rockville Sex Trafficking Defense Lawyers

When addressing charges related to sex trafficking, the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder will provide the legal help you need. Our experienced team will review your case, explain your options, and work to defend your rights. Contact us and set up your free consultation by calling 301-762-7500.