Arizona Sex Trafficking Laws and Legal Defense
If you have been accused of human trafficking, a very serious offense, you will need a skilled and aggressive defense attorney to represent you during this difficult period. The Litwak Law Group is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal assistance for all of those accused, regardless of their charges or their severity. We are committed to safeguarding your rights by exploring all possible legal options and defense strategies. To schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney, call us at 602-609-3803 if you have been charged with any form of human trafficking or sex trafficking crime in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona.
The Government is cracking down on Sex Trafficking in Phoenix
In February of 2023, multiple government agencies made hundreds of arrests in the aftermath of the 2023 Super Bowl.
The state of Arizona has taken significant measures to combat human trafficking and helping trafficking victims, which involves the exploitation of individuals, and is considered to be a pressing issue. Law enforcement authorities have collaborated closely with the state government to address the issue of human and sex trafficking within the state.
Sex Trafficking Laws in Arizona
ARS 13-1307 Sex Trafficking
ARS 13-1307 defines sex trafficking as a Class 2 Felony. This is one of the highest possible felony classes and most severe charges anyone could face.
Sex trafficking is a serious crime that involves exploiting individuals for prostitution or sexually explicit performances. Arizona’s criminal code includes a section that makes it illegal for someone to knowingly force or deceive another person who is 18 or older into these activities. Additionally, it is also against the law for someone to be aware that another person will engage in prostitution or a sexually explicit performance through force, coercion, or deception. Those found guilty of these offenses can be charged with a Class 2 felony and are not eligible for probation or release until their sentence is served or commuted. The law defines coercion as using the law, threats of harm or property damage, extortion, or controlling access to drugs. Force is defined as physically restraining someone or threatening them with harm. A sexually explicit performance refers to a public or live act intended to satisfy sexual desires. Trafficking includes enticing, recruiting, harboring, providing, transporting, or obtaining someone else. It is essential to understand the laws related to human trafficking to defend against charges of this crime effectively.
Related Arizona Statutes
ARS 13-1308
It is illegal for an individual to knowingly engage in trafficking with the intent of subjecting another person to forced labor or services, or if they are aware that the other person will be subjected to such exploitation.
It is also against the law for someone to knowingly receive financial benefits or any other form of valuable compensation from a venture that has violated various sections of the law, including those pertaining to human trafficking.
Violating this law is considered a class 2 felony, and those found guilty are not eligible for probation, suspension of sentence, or release from confinement, except under specific circumstances. For further clarification, the law defines “forced labor or services” as labor or services that are obtained through coercion, force, or threat of harm, and it includes acts such as restraining or threatening to physically restrain another person, or causing financial harm to someone. The law defines “traffic” as any actions taken to deceive, coerce, or force another person to provide services or labor against their will.
