Colorado Human Trafficking Defense Attorney
In 2003, Washington became the first state to pass a statute criminalizing human trafficking. Since then, every state has enacted strict laws establishing criminal penalties for traffickers seeking to profit from forced labor or sexual exploitation. The state of Colorado makes it a felony under state law to traffic anyone for labor or sexual servitude.
If you or someone you know has been charged with human trafficking, you must retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for assistance. As you might imagine, these cases are complex and require a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system. During this stressful season of your life, turn to Black, Blink, & Associates LLC for quality legal representation.
Colorado Human Trafficking Attorney
Accusations of human trafficking should not be taken lightly. If you have been arrested for this crime in Colorado, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer who can advocate on your behalf. At Black, Blink, & Associates LLC, our defense attorneys have been defending those accused of human trafficking for years. We have the skill needed to represent your best interests.
Set up your first consultation with Black, Blink, & Associates LLC today by calling our offices at 719-694-0578. We serve clients in the greater Denver area, including Littleton, Boulder, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Broomfield, Centennial, and Aurora.
What is Human Trafficking in Colorado?
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. As stated previously, the crime takes place when a trafficker utilizes fraud, force, or coercion to obtain some labor or commercial sex act. Unfortunately, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide every year.
Colorado statute defines two types of human trafficking: labor trafficking and sex trafficking. According to Colorado Revised Statutes 18-3-503, a person can be charged with labor trafficking or trafficking people for involuntary servitude if he or she:
- Knowingly sells, recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, isolates, entices, provides, receives, or obtains a person for the purpose of coercing them to perform labor or services.
Common types of labor trafficking include farmworkers coerced through violence as they harvest crops, or factory workers held in harsh conditions for low wages.
A conviction for labor trafficking can result in life-altering penalties. In most cases, violating CRS 18-3-503 will result in a class 3 felony offense, punishable by 4 to 16 years in prison and $3,000 to $750,000 in fines. However, the judge may extend sentencing for the offense to a class 2 felony if the act involves a minor. In this circumstance, labor trafficking is punishable by 8 to 24 years in prison and $5,000 to $1,000,000 in fines.
Sex Trafficking in Colorado
Sex trafficking is human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Unfortunately, it is very common in Colorado. Sex traffickers frequently target victims and utilize threats, lies, or other forms of control to force them to engage in commercial sex acts. According to CRS 18-3-504, a person commits sex trafficking or human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude if they.
- Knowingly sells, recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, isolates, entices, provides, receives, obtains by any means, maintains, or makes available a minor for commercial sexual activity; or
- Knowingly advertises, offers to sell, or sells travel services that facilitate an activity prohibited in this section.
Committing a sex trafficking violation involving a minor will result in a class 2 felony punishable by 8 to 24 years in prison and $5,000 to $1,000,000 in fines.
Additional Resources
Colorado Bureau of Investigation: Human Trafficking – Access the official website for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to view important information regarding human trafficking and child exploitation. You can read the news and view how Colorado penalizes the crime of human trafficking.
National Human Trafficking Hotline – Access the official website for the National Human Trafficking Hotline to learn more about human trafficking. You can view statistics, read myths & facts, and access additional resources.
Colorado Springs Human Trafficking Lawyer | El Paso County, CO
If you or someone you know has been arrested for human trafficking or sex trafficking, it’s in your best interest to contact Black, Blink, & Associates LLC. Our Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys understand Colorado’s laws and how to build a solid defense against even the toughest accusations.
Your future is essential, and Black, Blink, & Associates LLC will help you protect it.
Black, Blink, & Associates LLC has offices in Colorado Springs but serves clients throughout the state of Colorado. To schedule your first consultation today, call (719) 328-1616. Our attorneys are prepared to get your charges reduced, and if not possible, dropped.