Little Rock Sex Trafficking Lawyer

Little Rock Sex Trafficking Attorney

If you’ve been charged with sex trafficking in Arkansas, you could be dealing with severe consequences, including long prison sentences, hefty fines, and a serious restriction of your civil rights. Working with an experienced Little Rock sex trafficking lawyer from Lemley Law Partners who can help you navigate complex federal and state law to champion your criminal defense process is recommended.

At Lemley Law Partners, our empathetic and skilled legal team is dedicated to advocating on behalf of people who’ve been accused of sex crimes, including sex trafficking, ensuring they receive a just and fair legal process. An experienced attorney from our team can work closely with you to address your concerns and design and implement an optimal legal strategy to minimize or have your charges dropped. Whether you are facing allegations of prostitution and solicitation or sexual indecency with a minor, we are committed to defending your freedoms and future.

Understanding Sex Trafficking Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas law and federal statutes address human trafficking crimes, including sex trafficking. These crimes involve the use of coercion, fraud, or force to engage individuals in sex acts. Even if a person is not directly coerced, any sex act that involves a minor under the age of 18 is considered to automatically be trafficking.

The Arkansas House of Representatives notes that since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified an increase in the crime rate of Arkansas, with 557 human trafficking cases in the state and roughly 1,500 victims. These figures underscore how the state is highly focused on scouting out and prosecuting trafficking offenses, with recent legislative actions including:

• Act 354: This allows victims of human trafficking crimes to bring forward civil lawsuits against any individuals or entities that should have known about their trafficking or knew about it.
• Act 327: This act brings up the fine for a conviction for human trafficking between $5,000 and $15,000.
• Act 330: Under this act, trafficking victims are entitled to receive victim compensation even if they do not consent to cooperating with law enforcement.
• Act 722: This act created the sexual solicitation of a minor offense, which is categorized as a Class B felony.
• Act 736: This expands liability to people who should have reasonably known that they were receiving financial benefits from a trafficking scheme.

These laws clearly show the aggressive approach of the Arkansas government to combat human trafficking. Individuals accused of trafficking will have their case vigorously pursued by the state.

Statistics on Sex Trafficking in Little Rock

Recent data from the Little Rock Police Department, headquartered on West Markham Street,  reports six human trafficking crimes involving commercial sex acts in the area from March 2020 to December 2023. Of these crimes, three were located in a residence or home, two in a hotel or motel setting, and one in an unknown setting.

On the statewide level, during this same period, 21 crimes were reported, which are also commonly linked to other crimes. For example, five cases were linked to pornography/obscene material crimes, five were also charged with rape, two with drug narcotic violations, two with sodomy violations and one with aggravated assault. These statistics show that sex trafficking crimes commonly intersect with other charges, making it imperative to have a robust criminal defense strategy.

Legal Penalties for Sex Trafficking in Arkansas

Arkansas Code classifies human trafficking crimes as felonies and lays out the associated legal penalties. Sex crime penalties are dependent on the specific circumstances of the case, including the age of the victim, whether other charges were linked to the crime, and the defendant’s criminal history.

For example, individuals convicted of trafficking minors in Little Rock, AR, can face up to a life sentence in prison. They may also be facing further payments in civil liability under Act 354, which allows victims to file legal claims against their alleged traffickers.

Depending on the case, federal charges may also apply, which can substantially increase penalties. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a skilled Little Rock sex trafficking lawyer who can help you leverage robust defense strategies, such as arguing a lack of evidence, false accusations, entrapment, or proving that there was no force, fraud, or coercion.

FAQs

Q: How Are Sex Trafficking Cases Investigated?

A: Sex trafficking cases are investigated in Little Rock by law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels. These agencies may carry out wiretaps and other surveillance, undercover operations, and digital forensic operations to look into suspected trafficking cases. They may also use testimony from victims or financial records to gather enough evidence to prosecute.

Q: What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Sex Trafficking?

A: If you have been accused of sex trafficking, it is crucial to reach out to a Little Rock sex trafficking lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you defend your rights and interests if you are under investigation or have already been arrested. It’s important to note that if law enforcement comes to your home, you are not required to open the door unless they have a signed warrant from the judge. Exercise your right to remain silent.

Q: Can Sex Trafficking Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

A: Yes, sex trafficking charges can be reduced or dismissed. A detail-oriented attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to minimize your charges, work out a plea deal, or even get your case dismissed if they find that the evidence is insufficient or was obtained through unlawful means. It’s important to speak directly with an attorney to know what your options are.

Q: What Should I Look for in a Little Rock Sex Trafficking Lawyer?

A: When looking for a Little Rock sex trafficking lawyer to defend your case, you should choose an attorney who has specific experience in sex crime defense and who understands the court system in your area. Your attorney should also have an in-depth and working knowledge of both federal and state law, as well as be able to demonstrate a robust history of positive case outcomes.

Contact a Little Rock Sex Trafficking Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with sex trafficking crimes in Little Rock or believe that you are under investigation, it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney. Contact Lemley Law Partners today to schedule your consultation so that we can start helping you build a strong defense.