Understanding Sex Trafficking Charges and Legal Defense

April 11, 2025

The elite criminal defense attorneys at Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. have earned their experience, knowledge, and reputation through successfully defending clients charged with human trafficking / sex trafficking. For more than 20 years our lawyers have prevented countless individuals from receiving a lengthy prison sentence.

Our experienced attorneys recognize the gravity of human trafficking charges and the resulting consequences that are life-altering. A human trafficking conviction carries severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and irreparable damage to one's future reputation. Our firm is dedicated to providing a rigorous legal defense to each and every one of our clients. We are committed to defending and ensuring the rights of our clients are thoroughly protected.


Recent media cases, such as the Alexander brothers in Miami Beach and accusations involving high-profile individuals like Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs, have shone a new and more committed strategy by law enforcement to spotlight and aggressively prosecute sex trafficking cases. This trend is also occurring in less notable cases.

If you or a loved one is charged with sex trafficking, it's imperative to have a legal team that can help you understand the legal implications of such a charge, as well as your rights.

At Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A., we help our clients navigate through and around the legalities of sex trafficking prosecution with the most complete defense possible.

Understanding Human Trafficking Laws

Human trafficking is a complex and serious criminal offense under both Florida and federal law. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex acts. The legal framework governing these offenses includes:

• Florida Statute § 787.06 – This statute defines human trafficking and establishes strict penalties based on the nature and severity of the offense. It criminalizes various forms of exploitation, including sex trafficking and forced labor.


• Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) – Enacted to combat trafficking on a national level, this law enhances penalties for trafficking-related crimes and provides additional protections for victims.


• The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act – In some cases, human trafficking charges are prosecuted under RICO laws, particularly when the alleged activities involve organized criminal enterprises.

Many people associate sex trafficking with organized crime or online exploitation. The reality is the scope of these cases extends beyond those boundaries. In some cases, innocent people can face accusations due to circumstantial evidence, false allegations, misunderstandings and other circumstances.


To better understand these complexities, consider these scenarios, each of which could lead to being falsely accused of sex trafficking.

For instance, if an individual unknowingly arranges transportation or other services for someone involved in a sex trafficking operation, their actions could be interpreted as assisting a criminal enterprise, leading to charges.

Misunderstood relationships can also be misconstrued. A person could be accused of trafficking a partner or friend when their actions, such as financial or shared housing, are consensual and not at all related to exploitation. In some cases, this could be applied to landlords unknowingly renting property to someone running an illegal business.

These examples point out the pitfalls of sex trafficking charges. Without context and a strong defense team, innocent individuals could receive severe penalties. Protect your rights and your freedom, contact Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. now.

Legal Consequences of Sex Trafficking

The consequences of a sex trafficking conviction are some of the most severe in criminal law. Depending on the jurisdiction and specific charges, penalties can include:

• Lengthy Prison Sentences: Federal convictions often carry mandatory minimum sentences, starting at 10 years for some offenses, while State laws frequently impose similar harsh penalties.
  
  A conviction for human trafficking in Florida is a first-degree felony, and in the most severe cases, a conviction can lead to a life sentence.


• Substantial financial penalties, including fines that exceed $10,000, as well as restitution payments to victims.


• Mandatory registration as a sex offender, which imposes long-term restrictions on residency, employment, and personal freedoms.


• Forfeiture of assets, including property, money, or vehicles believed to be connected to the trafficking activities.


• Immigration consequences such as deportation can result in permanent removal from the U.S.


• Civil lawsuits, a victims civil claim for damages can lead to additional financial & legal burdens.

Building a Strong Defense

If you or someone you love is accused of sex trafficking, securing an experienced, knowledgeable, respected and effective legal team is essential. A skilled criminal defense squad will unravel the allegations and develop strategies to protect your rights and future. A close examination of the law, pleadings and factual allegations is a crucial and indispensable start to building a vigorous through defense. Thereafter, an effective lawyer examines and challenges evidence in some of the following ways.

Today, most law enforcement investigations rely on digital evidence, surveillance, or witness testimony. An attorney skilled in trafficking cases can examine the evidence, looking for procedural violations, weak links, and inaccuracies that can lead to exclusion of evidence and potentially dismissal of charges.

Establishing that the accused did not know about trafficking or lacked the requisite intent to participate in such an enterprise can potentially lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Misidentification and false accusations often play a role in trafficking cases where someone has been accused. Mistaken identity or false allegations can sometimes result in wrongful charges. A skilled defense attorney can persuasively highlight this issue for the jury.

Another effective defense is entrapment. Arguing that the defendant was coerced by authorities into engaging in conduct they would not have otherwise pursued.

Coercion or Duress – Establishing the defendant was forced to participate under the threat of violence or harm. Successfully establishing such evidence can lead to a finding that the involvement of the accused was involuntary and consequently not criminal.

Violation of Constitutional Rights – Investigating whether law enforcement violated the defendant's rights during the investigation, including unlawful searches, seizures, or interrogations.

Regardless of the specific circumstances of a case, facing sex trafficking charges is serious, and the accused should immediately contact our experienced defense attorneys for a consultation on how we can help.

Count on Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A.

Defending against sex trafficking allegations requires not only legal knowledge but also a compassionate understanding of the complexities involved.

At Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A., we offer personalized strategies, discretion, and sensitivity to your case and its specific needs. Our aggressive advocacy ensures we will help you achieve the best possible outcome through dismissal, acquittal, or reduced sentence.

If you or a loved one has been accused of human trafficking, it is imperative to seek experienced legal representation. The earlier you secure legal counsel, the better your chances of mounting a strong and successful defense. Contact Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. now for a confidential consultation. Don't risk your freedom and future, take action now to protect yourself.