What Should You Do if You Are Being Investigated for Human Trafficking in Florida?
Being investigated for human trafficking in Florida can be frightening, especially because trafficking offenses can carry severe penalties. While an investigation does not automatically mean you will be charged or convicted, what you do during the investigation can significantly affect your case. In this article, we share what to do if you’re being investigated for human trafficking in Florida.
Understand What the Investigation Means
The first thing to do if you’re being investigated for human trafficking is to understand what that means. Florida’s human trafficking Statute, section 787.06, covers conduct involving transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, providing, enticing, maintaining, purchasing, patronizing, procuring, or obtaining another person for exploitation.
Depending on the alleged conduct and circumstances, offenses can carry serious felony penalties. Florida law also addresses trafficking involving labor, services, and commercial sexual activity.
Don’t Try To Explain Yourself to Investigators
If law enforcement asks questions, don’t assume that cooperating will make the matter disappear. Statements that seem harmless can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used as evidence.
You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney during custodial questioning. If you are questioned by investigators, consider politely declining to answer questions until you have spoken with a Florida criminal defense attorney.
Keep Important Evidence
Make sure not to erase texts, emails, social media chats, photos, call logs, financial records, or any other information that could be linked to the claims. Even if you think some evidence might make you look bad, getting rid of or changing it could lead to more legal issues.
Instead, hold onto any potentially relevant information and share it with your lawyer. Your attorney can assess what might help clarify the situation, dispute evidence, or identify flaws in the investigation.
Avoid the Alleged Victim or Witnesses
If someone has accused you of trafficking, reaching out to that person to argue, apologize, convince them to change their story, or ask them to delete messages can make things worse for you. Such actions could lead to new allegations. Let your lawyer take care of any communication with the alleged victim or witnesses.
Get Legal Advice Early
Human trafficking investigations can be complicated. Getting legal advice early can make a significant difference. Speaking with a criminal defense attorney before responding to investigators can help you understand your rights, the nature of the allegations, and how to avoid actions that could hurt your defense. Early legal guidance also gives your attorney an opportunity to begin protecting your interests before charges are filed.
Take the Investigation Seriously
Being investigated isn’t the same as being found guilty. The prosecution must still prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. However, it’s crucial to treat the situation seriously. If you’re being investigated for human trafficking in Florida, refrain from making unnecessary comments, maintain any relevant evidence, and contact a qualified lawyer as soon as possible.
A human trafficking investigation can lead to harsh penalties, but just because you are being investigated doesn’t mean you are guilty. Taking the right actions early on and getting legal advice can help you manage the situation and prepare for what lies ahead.
Contact an Orlando Criminal Lawyer
Are you facing a Florida human trafficking investigation? Contact an experienced Orlando criminal lawyer at Joshi Law Firm P.A. before making statements to investigators. We can help protect your rights and respond to the allegations.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0787/Sections/0787.06.html
