Human Trafficking Offenses in Georgia

Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer in Atlanta & Alpharetta, Georgia

Georgia’s laws against human trafficking are among some of the toughest in nation.  A conviction for human trafficking can result in a substantial prison sentence and heavy fines along with the possibility of having to register for life with the Georgia Sex Offender Registry.  If you have been accused or charged with a human trafficking offense you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.  The Ford Law Firm aggressively defends the rights of clients in the Atlanta metropolitan area and throughout the state of Georgia who have been accused of sex crimes, including human trafficking.  We offer a highly skilled and devoted criminal defense team who will work side by side with you in building a powerful defense to combat the serious charges you are facing. 

Georgia’s Human Trafficking Statute

Human trafficking is often characterized as a modern-day version of slavery, with individuals being illegally sold or traded for labor or sexual servitude.  Section 16-5-46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) provides that the crime of human trafficking occurs when a person knowingly:

• Subjects or maintains another human being for labor servitude or “recruits, entices, harbors, transports or provides or obtains” another human being for such purposes; or
• Subjects or maintains another human being for sexual servitude or “recruits, entices, harbors, transports or provides or obtains” another human being for such purposes.

Under Georgia’s human trafficking statute, “labor servitude” takes place when a person is induced, coerced or deceived into performing labor or service of economic value. 

Sexual servitude is defined as sexually explicit conduct or a performance involving such conduct when:

• Something of value is promised, given to or received by another individual, which “conduct is induced or obtained by coercion or deception or which conduct is induced or obtained from” someone less than 18 years of age; or
• The sexually explicit conduct is performed or provided by another individual, which “conduct is induced or obtained by coercion or deception or which conduct is induced or obtained from” someone less than 18 years of age. (O.C.G.A. 16-5-46).

Punishments for Human Trafficking Offenses

If you are convicted of human trafficking an individual for labor or sexual servitude you will face harsh penalties under Georgia law.  Human trafficking is classified as a felony offense in Georgia punishable by a 10- to 20-year prison sentence and/or a maximum fine of up to $100,000.  If the human trafficking offense involves a minor under the age of 18 who was coerced or deceived into labor or sexual servitude, the punishment will be increased to a 25- to 50-year prison sentence and/or a maximum fine of $100,000.  

Contact The Ford Law Firm Today

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a human trafficking offense, you need to speak with a qualified attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Georgia human trafficking defense lawyer will protect your rights and guide you through every phase of the legal process.  The Ford Law Firm offers a skilled and aggressive lawyer who knows how the criminal justice system operates in Georgia.   When you work with our firm we will examine your case from every angle and work with you to develop a powerful plan of defense. Contact our Atlanta human trafficking law firm today to schedule your consultation - 404-835-3950.