Carmel Sex Trafficking Attorney

Being convicted of sex trafficking can result in decades behind bars. When you are facing such serious consequences, you should not trust your case to an experienced criminal defense lawyer or a public defender. You need the board-certified criminal trial specialists at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC. Contact our experienced Carmel sex crime lawyers to begin lodging an aggressive defense. 

Sex Trafficking Crimes in Indiana  

Indiana prosecutors may bring various charges against people they suspect of sex trafficking, including the following:

• Promotion of human sexual trafficking – This criminal offense arises when someone knowingly or intentionally uses force, threats of force, coercion, or fraud to recruit, entice, harbor, or transport an individual intending to cause the individual to engage in prostitution, participate in sexual conduct, or marry another person. This offense is classified as a Level 4 felony. 
• Child sexual trafficking – A person commits this offense when they knowingly or intentionally sell or transfer custody of a child younger than 18 for prostitution or to participate in sexual conduct. This offense is a Level 2 felony.
• Promotion of child sexual trafficking – This offense involves knowingly or intentionally recruiting, enticing, harboring, or transporting a child under 18 with the intent of causing them to engage in prostitution or certain prohibited sexual conduct. This crime is typically classified as a Level 3 felony. 

Potential Penalties for Sex Trafficking

The sentence someone receives following a conviction for sex trafficking depends on the particular offense they are charged with and its level. Potential sentences could include:

• Level 2 felony: Ten to thirty years in prison
• Level 3 felony: Three to sixteen years in prison
• Level 4 felony: Two to twelve years in prison

If the defendant is determined to be a habitual offender or repeat sexual offender, this can add more time to their sentence. A habitual offender enhancement applies if the defendant has accumulated a certain number of prior unrelated felony convictions. This enhancement can add two to twenty years to their sentence. A repeat sexual offender has accumulated certain prior convictions for sex crimes and can be subject to an additional ten years to their sentence. 

Individuals convicted of sex trafficking can also face registration on the Indiana sex offender registration list, which can publish their name, picture, identifying characteristics, and offense online that anyone can see. 

Possible Defenses to Sex Trafficking Charges

Various defenses can apply to sex trafficking charges. An experienced Carmel sex trafficking attorney can evaluate your case to determine if these or any other defenses apply:

• Consent – The alleged victim may have agreed to the arrangement. 
• Romeo and Juliet defense—This can sometimes be a defense if you and the alleged victim are close in age and you were in an ongoing personal relationship with them.
• Lack of intent – The prosecution may not be able to show that you knowingly or intentionally committed the crime. For example, you may not have had the intent to involve the alleged victim in any sex-related activity. 
• False accusations – You may have been accused of something you did not do or had no knowledge of.
• Mistaken identity – The alleged victim may have confused you with someone else.

Call The Criminal Defense Team Today for Dedicated Legal Representation

Facing criminal charges and the social stigma attached to sex trafficking can be challenging, but The Board-Certified Criminal Trial Specialists at The Criminal Defense Team of Baldwin Perry & Wiley PC are here to help. Call our Carmel criminal defense lawyers at (317) 687-8326 for a free consultation.