YOUR FUTURE IS ALL THAT MATTERS
Ignorance or Belief as to Victim’s Age Is No Defense (F.S. § 794.021) in Orlando, Florida
Ignorance or Belief as to Victim’s Age Is No Defense
Aggressive Defense for Human Trafficking Charges in Orlando, FL
Human trafficking charges are among the most serious criminal allegations prosecuted in Florida. Often described as a form of modern-day slavery, human trafficking cases carry extreme penalties, including decades in prison or even life sentences. If you are under investigation or have been charged, you need an experienced Orlando human trafficking lawyer immediately.
At Hanlon Law, we defend individuals accused of serious sex crimes and trafficking offenses. These cases are complex, aggressively pursued, and frequently based on broad statutory interpretations. Our firm is committed to protecting the rights of the accused and challenging the government’s case at every stage.
Understanding Human Trafficking Under Florida Law
Human trafficking is a felony offense under Florida Statutes § 787.06. A person may be charged if they knowingly—or in reckless disregard of the facts—participate in or financially benefit from:
- Recruiting, soliciting, transporting, or harboring another person
- Providing, maintaining, or obtaining a person
- Enticing or inducing a person
for the purpose of exploitation, which may include:
- Commercial sexual activity
- Forced services or labor
- Pornography or sexually explicit performances
- Domestic servitude or other exploitative work arrangements
The law applies to alleged victims who are adults, teenagers, or children, and it can involve U.S. citizens as well as immigrants, including unauthorized immigrants.
Adult vs. Child Allegations
When the alleged victim is an adult, prosecutors must generally prove that coercion was used to compel the person into labor, services, or commercial sexual activity.
When the alleged victim is a minor, the law is far more severe. The State does not need to prove coercion. The mere allegation of exploitation for labor, services, or commercial sexual activity may be sufficient to pursue charges.
Commercial sexual activity includes prostitution-related offenses, production of pornography, and sexually explicit performances, including attempts to commit those acts.
What Qualifies as “Coercion” in Human Trafficking Cases
The presence of coercion significantly increases the severity of human trafficking charges. Under Florida law, coercion may include allegations of:
- Threats or use of physical force
- Restraining or isolating a person against their will
- Causing or threatening harm
- Deceit, fraud, or false promises
- Confiscation or destruction of passports or immigration documents
- Debt schemes where labor is used as “repayment” without defined limits
- Providing controlled substances to exploit or control someone
These allegations are often based on statements, circumstantial evidence, or financial records—making careful legal analysis essential.
Penalties for Human Trafficking in Florida
Human trafficking is frequently charged as a first-degree felony, punishable by:
- Up to 30 years in prison
- Up to 30 years of probation
- Fines of up to $10,000
Certain trafficking offenses carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, including a minimum of 21 months in prison, unless the court finds a lawful basis for a downward departure.
If the charge involves:
- Commercial sexual activity with a child under 18
- A mentally incapacitated or mentally disabled person
The penalties can include life imprisonment, life probation, and maximum fines.
Each alleged victim may be charged as a separate offense, meaning cases involving multiple individuals can result in devastating cumulative sentences.
Building a Strategic Defense to Human Trafficking Charges
Human trafficking cases are often built on broad interpretations of conduct, cooperation agreements, or complex financial and digital evidence. At Hanlon Law, we scrutinize every aspect of the prosecution’s case, including:
- Whether the alleged conduct meets the statutory definition of trafficking
- Whether coercion can actually be proven
- Credibility and motives of witnesses or alleged victims
- Law enforcement misconduct or constitutional violations
- Improper searches, seizures, or interrogations
- Suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence
In some cases, charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely when the State cannot meet its heavy burden of proof.
Speak With an Orlando Human Trafficking Defense Attorney Today
If you have been arrested for or charged with human trafficking in Orlando, do not delay in seeking legal counsel. These charges threaten your freedom, your future, and your reputation. Early intervention by an experienced defense attorney can be critical.
Will Hanlon, founder of Hanlon Law, has defended individuals accused of serious felony offenses since 1994. He is known for providing strategic, aggressive, and personalized criminal defense representation.
Call Hanlon Law at 407-987-3836 or complete our online contact form
to schedule a confidential consultation.
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