Name: Human Trafficking Defense Attorney in Georgetown, TX
Brand: Price & Twine, PLLC
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)

Human Trafficking

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It’s an unfortunate reality that Texas has become a hub for human trafficking due to its vicinity to international borders and ports. In 2017, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 792 human trafficking cases in the state. These statistics have caused legislators to spur into action and implement harsh penalties for those accused of human trafficking.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with human trafficking, it’s crucial you have legal representation as soon as possible. The penalties associated with human trafficking are severe and can alter your life forever. You could be sentenced to years in prison and be required to pay expensive fines. The sooner you begin charting out your defense, the better your chances are of having your charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t wait another moment to have legal counsel you can trust to guide you.

Human Trafficking Defense Attorney in Georgetown, Texas

When a person is charged with human trafficking they are normally objected to shame and this negative social stigma could affect the jury’s decision, which means the charges could be especially challenging to defend. It’s important you have representation you can trust such as the guidance from Price & Twine, PLLC.

Attorney Michael J. Price is an experienced sex crimes attorney who has represented numerous clients who were charged with human trafficking or sex trafficking. He’s not only a practiced attorney but has a deep passion for what he does. Get started with your defense by calling (512) 354-1880 to set up your first consultation today.

Price & Twine, PLLC represents people throughout the greater Georgetown area including Hutto, Liberty Hill, Taylor, Killeen, Temple, Belton and Hacker Heights.

Overview of Human Trafficking in Texas

Texas Laws for Human Trafficking

Forcing another person into labor, services or any type of enslavement is illegal. The Penal Code Section 20A.02 states you’re guilty of human trafficking if you:

Traffic a person or persons into forced labor or services;
Benefit from a human trafficking scheme, including receiving services from a victim;
Traffic a person or persons by force, coercion and force the victim to do:
- Prostitution;
- Compelling prostitution;
- Promoting prostitution; or
- Aggravated prostitution
Having sexual contact with a sex trafficking victim through fraud, force or coercion;
Traffic a child or children into services or labor;
Benefits from a child trafficking scheme;
Traffic a child or children and force them to do any of the following:
- Employment harmful to children;
- Possession or promotion of child pornography;
- Sexual performance by a child;
- Continuous sexual abuse of young child or children;
- Indecency with a child;
- Prostitution;
- Promotion of prostitution;
- Aggravated promotion of prostitution;
- Compelling prostitution; or
- Sexual assault
Engages in sexual contact with a trafficked child

Coercion is defined under the Penal Code refers to the act of destroying, concealing, confiscating or withholding a government records or identifying documents from a trafficked person.

Penalties for Human Trafficking or Sex Trafficking in Texas

The consequences for human trafficking are life-altering. The Penal Code Section 20A.02 states trafficking a person is a second-degree felony, which is punishable by:

Minimum prison sentence of 2 years;
Maximum prison sentence of 20 years; and
A possible fine of up to $10,000

Certain circumstances known as aggravating factors could enhance your penalties, such as:

Trafficking a child/children for services or labor;
The offense involved in the death of a human trafficking victim; or
The unborn child of a trafficking victim died because of the crime

If any of the above factors were included in the crime, then the crime is enhanced to a first-degree felony. The penalties for a first-degree felony include a minimum prison sentence of 5 years but can result in up to 99 years or life in prison.

Continuous Trafficking of Persons Penalties in Texas

When a human trafficking scheme operates on a much larger scale, the penalties are enhanced. If there is more than one victim involved in your human trafficking crime, then it could be charged as continuous trafficking of persons. You can also be charged with continuous smuggling if you were charged with more than one human trafficking offense during a period of 30 continuous days.

Continuous trafficking of a person is a first-degree felony and can lead to:

Up to 99 years or life in prison; and
A possible fine of up to $10,000

Additional Resources

National Human Trafficking Hotline: Texas Division – Visit the official website of the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) to learn more about human trafficking and statistics for the crime in Texas. Access the site to staggering numbers on how prevalent human trafficking is in Texas, helpful resources for victims and upcoming events held by NHTH.

Human Trafficking – Visit the official website for Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas to learn more about human and sex trafficking. Access the site to learn more about U.S human trafficking statistics, resources for victims and the Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Section (HTTOC) created by Ken Paxton.

Defense Lawyer for Human Trafficking in Williamson County, Texas

If you or someone you know has been charged with human trafficking, it’s imperative you have a criminal defense attorney available to represent you. One great option is to go with Price & Twine, PLLC. Michael J. Price has been practicing for years and can help you discover your legal options for your charges as well as represent you in court.

Get in contact with attorney Price today by calling (512) 354-1880. He can sit with you, answer your legal questions and do whatever possible to help you. Price & Twine, PLLC accepts clients throughout the greater Williamson County and Bell County area including Killeen, Georgetown, Belton, Harker Heights and Hutto.

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Sex Crimes

Case Results

Dismissed

DWI

February 2020

Officer claimed several reasons for the initial stop of client. Portable breath test on scene showed BAC above .08 but lab results of blood taken hours later showed a BAC below .08. After reviewing video of client on scene and... read more »

Dismissed

Injury to Child

February 2020

After a thorough negotiation, the State reduced the charge to a misdemeanor and agreed to allow client to complete Pretrial Intervention Program for a dismissal of all charges and eligibility to expunge the full record.

Dismissed

Possession of Dangerous Drug

February 2020

After showing client was a victim of traumatic circumstances and was seeking assistance, State agreed to dismiss.

Reduced Charge

DWI 2nd

February 2020

State had a strong case, but after explaining client’s several extenuating circumstances a plea deal for a time served on a reduced charge of a class B misdemeanor was agreed to. No jail time and no probation required.

Dismissed

Assault by Contact (child)

March 2020

After reviewing evidence and client completing an agreed educational class, the State agreed to dismiss the charge.

Dismissed

Assault Family Violence

March 2020

After reviewing evidence and providing context of situation, State agreed to dismiss.

Dismissed

Assault Causes Bodily Injury x 2

March 2020

After reviewing evidence and showing that alleged victims participated in the assaultive conduct (mutual combat defense) the State dismissed.

*The results discussed here are not necessarily representative of the results achieved in all cases. The facts and circumstances of each case are different and must be evaluated on its own merit.

Testimonials

Liz and Michael are very personable, caring and professional. They helped ease my stress and navigated me through everything with great diligence. I am eternally grateful to them both for their belief in me and their understanding of my circumstances. Their abilities, knowledge and desire are first class. I highly recommend Liz and Michael to represent anybody where needed. Thank you to the both of you

Anonymous

a Google user

During one of the darkest periods in my life I was referred to Michael and Liz by another attorney from Austin. I wasn’t guilty of what I was accused of so it was important for me to seek out Good counsel. After my first meeting with them I was certain I had found it. During the almost year-long process they kept me informed and reassured me that they were going to do everything possible to help me get out of this situation. Liz is well organized and very on top of her game. Michael maybe one of the sharpest legal minds in Williamson County and the day I walked out of court free I was happy he was by my side. I sincerely hope I never need their services again but if I ever got in a situation where I needed a great attorney I know who to call.

GREGG

a Google user

Michael Price and his firm are the best top notch lawyers. Communication throughout the entire process was stellar. He was able to work with me and get the best case scenario. I called multiple lawyers and Michael stood out the most when it came to professionalism, honesty and transparency. They are 100% responsive even on the weekends, and after normal working hours. 10/10 recommend. Michael’s jokes are pretty good too.

Amanda

a Google user

Michael is phenomenal. He does his dudiligence, knows the law backward and front, has great contacts, and has the ability to win whatever is thrown at him. He went above and beyond for me when I needed him when I was wrongfully charged in Williamson and Travis County on a crime I did not commit. Not once did he tell me to plea because no matter how good the deal, he didn’t want me to plea on something I didn’t do. Id recommend Michael and anyone he works with or referrers because he is a stand-up individual with an amazing work ethic.

Samuel

a Google user

Michael was extremely helpful in my delicate case. He took the time and efficiency to tackle the situation at its finest approach with the proper strategy. According to how it was looking he was able to give me the best scenario possible even when the odds seemed to be against us. After going back and forth for the period of time needed, he was successful in making the best possible scenario come to fruition. I highly recommend him and if I could give his firm 100 stars I would. He is a superb attorney who definitely knows how to make the best things possible as long as the client is always honest and is a stand forward person.

Antonio

a Google user