Defending Against Sex Trafficking Charges in Texas

 Posted on June 27, 2025 in Criminal Defense

A Jacksonville, TX man was recently convicted of sex trafficking teens, leading to a sentence of life in federal prison. The 28-year-old man received seven life sentences on June 18th after being convicted of six counts of sex trafficking of children and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children. The teenage girls were recruited via social media and deceived by promises of money for modeling.

The girls were then placed in hotels in the Tyler, TX area, and sex advertisements were placed on the internet. Some of the victims were as young as 13 years old. Sex trafficking charges in the state are among the most serious accusations a person can face. These charges carry severe criminal penalties, as well as lengthy prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration.

Despite the aggressive prosecution of those accused of sex trafficking, there are ways to challenge the evidence, the intent, and the inherent assumptions associated with sex trafficking charges. If you are facing charges of sex trafficking, speaking to a knowledgeable Plano, TX criminal defense attorney can be extremely beneficial.   

Is Sex Trafficking in Texas Charged Federally or Under State Law?

Sex trafficking is one of the most serious offenses in the state, carrying severe penalties. In some cases, false allegations of this criminal offense can change a person’s life forever, even if the individual is not convicted. Victims of sex trafficking are usually women or children, but can be young men or boys as well.

Human trafficking can lead to street prostitution, internet prostitution, or working in a strip club, massage parlor, or brothel. If sex trafficking offenses cross a state line, they will be charged federally. Otherwise, sex trafficking can be charged under Texas state laws.

What Are the Penalties for Sex Trafficking?

Sex trafficking in Texas is a first-degree felony, punishable by life in prison or a term between 25 years and 99 years. Under federal laws, the following penalties are associated with sex trafficking crimes:

Sex trafficking that involves force, fraud, or coercion when the victim is under 14 – 15 years to life in prison

• Sex trafficking that does not involve force, fraud, or coercion with a victim older than 14 but younger than 18 – 10 years to life in prison
• Transportation of an individual with intent to engage the individual in prostitution – Up to 10 years in prison
• Persuading another person to travel for the purpose of prostitution – Up to 20 years in prison
• The transportation of minors or the importation of undocumented immigrants for immoral purposes – From 10 years to life in prison

What Must Prosecutors Prove for a Conviction of Sex Trafficking?

The key elements that must be proven by federal or state prosecutors include intent, along with force, fraud, or coercion, and involvement of a minor (for child sex trafficking). Unfortunately, online activity or communications can be misinterpreted by law enforcement, leading to unwarranted charges. Sting operations and undercover officers may be involved in apprehending sex traffickers, although in some cases, a person may be arrested simply because of his or her involvement with others involved in trafficking.

Are There Valid Defenses to Sex Trafficking Charges?

Although each defendant will have a defense tailored specifically to his or her arrest facts and circumstances, some of the more common defenses to trafficking and sex trafficking include:

• Lack of knowledge
• Lack of intent
•  Mistaken identity or false allegations
• Eyewitness errors
• Overreach by law enforcement in undercover operations
•  Lack of use of force, fraud, or coercion
• Illegal search, wiretap, or phone data capture
• Violations of the defendant’s constitutional rights

Contact a Collin County, TX Sex Trafficking Lawyer

Early legal intervention is crucial in preserving your rights and your future. With the right defense, even the most serious charges can be reduced, dropped, or challenged. Further, not every allegation of sex trafficking is valid; you need a Texas sex trafficking attorney from The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. to aggressively defend your charges.

Attorney Crowder has extensive experience defending very serious criminal charges, including federal crimes and child sex crimes. She is knowledgeable and zealous in her representation, securing more than 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for clients. Call 214-544-0061 to schedule your free consultation.