What Happens to Someone Charged With Child Trafficking in Texas?

 Posted on March 12, 2026 in Criminal Defense

Few criminal charges carry consequences as severe as child trafficking in Texas. If you're facing this charge, you're probably overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin. These cases move quickly, and the accusation alone can turn your life upside down before any facts have been examined in court.

However, being charged does not guarantee a conviction. The State still has to prove its case. The right defense attorney can make a real difference. If you are facing this in 2026, a Plano, TX child trafficking defense lawyer can help you build a defense strategy and fight the allegations.

How Does Texas Define Child Trafficking?

Under Texas Penal Code § 20A.02, child trafficking means knowingly trafficking a child and causing that child to engage in sexual conduct or labor. When the victim is a minor, the state doesn't have to prove force or threats were used. The fact that a child was involved is enough to make the charge more serious.

Texas Penal Code § 20A.03 covers continuous trafficking of persons. This charge applies when someone is accused of two or more trafficking offenses within 30 or more days. It's a first-degree felony with harsher penalties than a single charge.

What Are the Penalties for Child Trafficking in Texas?

Fighting the charges against you with strong legal support is important because the penalties can be severe:

• A single child trafficking charge is a first-degree felony under Texas Penal Code § 12.32, which carries five to 99 years or life in prison, plus fines up to $10,000.

• A continuous trafficking conviction can mean 25 to 99 years or life in prison, with no parole until at least half the sentence is served.

• A conviction requires lifetime sex offender registration, which is public and limits where you can live and work.

• The charge can also be brought at the federal level, which carries its own mandatory minimum sentences.

Knowing what's at stake is what drives a strong defense.

Can Child Trafficking Charges Also Be Prosecuted Federally?

Child trafficking cases in Texas can be charged at the state level, the federal level, or both at the same time. Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 1591, the mandatory minimum sentence is 15 years when the alleged victim is under 14, with a maximum of life in prison. When the victim is between 14 and 17, the minimum is 10 years.

Federal agencies have a lot of resources, and they use them. If federal agencies are involved in your case, you need an attorney who knows both the state and federal systems.

What Are Common Defenses in Child Trafficking Cases?

A charge is not a conviction. There are real defenses available. Your attorney will take a close look at every part of the case, including:

• Whether law enforcement followed the law during the investigation and respected your rights

• Whether the facts actually meet the legal definition of trafficking under Texas law

• Whether the accounts given by witnesses have been consistent or have changed over time

• Whether entrapment played a role, especially in cases involving undercover officers or sting operations

• Whether digital evidence or communications have been read correctly or taken out of context

A careful investigation often turns up more than people expect, even in cases that seem straightforward at first.

What Should You Do if You've Been Charged With Child Trafficking?

The most important thing you can do right now is call a defense attorney. Do not talk to law enforcement or investigators without a lawyer present. Even things you say that seem harmless can be used against you later.

The sooner your attorney gets involved, the better. Evidence needs to be saved, witnesses need to be found, and the prosecution's case needs to be looked at closely from the start.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Collin County, TX Child Trafficking Defense Attorneys

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we have secured over 300 not-guilty verdicts and acquittals for our clients, and we bring that same commitment to every case we take. Our attorneys have handled the most serious criminal charges, including federal crimes and child sex crimes. They are knowledgeable, prepared, and aggressive when it comes to protecting the people they represent.

If you or someone you care about is facing a child trafficking charge in Texas, don't wait. Contact our Plano, TX defense lawyers today. Call 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.