Breaking Down Myths About Sex Trafficking in Texas

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 30-Apr-2015

Law enforcement experts define sex trafficking as the use of force or the threat of force, deception, or fraud to sexually exploit an individual. Sex trafficking affects millions of people worldwide and hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. Sex trafficking and other sex crimes can lead to serious penalties that can affect you for the rest of your life. If you’ve been accused of sex trafficking in Texas, it’s in your best interests to work with a criminal defense lawyer who has extensive experience handling these types of cases.

Myth: Sex Trafficking Victims Are All Illegal Immigrants
One of the most common myths about sex trafficking is that the victims are primarily illegal immigrants. Estimates do suggest that about 17,000 sex trafficking victims are brought into the U.S. each year, according to the League of Women Voters. However, experts believe that there are far more domestic victims of sex trafficking in the U.S. than international victims.

Myth: Victims Are Always Kidnapped
Contrary to popular belief, sex trafficking victims are not always kidnapped. In fact, they are most often lured through deceptive practices. An accused sex trafficker may offer the alleged victims a job or other attractive benefit. Then, the sex trafficker maintains control over the victim with physical violence and/or psychological intimidation.

Myth: Prostitution is the Same as Sex Trafficking
Actually, prostitution and sex trafficking are prosecuted differently. Under Texas law, prostitution is defined as the solicitation or participation in a sexual activity in exchange for a fee. In contrast, sex trafficking is defined as the use of coercion, fraud, or force to bring about prostitution. Prostitution of an individual under the age of 18 is also prosecuted as sex trafficking.

Criminal defense attorney Jeffrey C. Grass has about two decades of experience vigorously defending the legal rights of those accused of sex crimes throughout Texas. If you need a criminal attorney in the Dallas or Plano area, call the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass at . We also invite you to visit our criminal law firm on the Web to explore our other practice areas, including defense for aggravated assault and DWI/DUI charges.