Dallas Trafficking of Persons Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Dallas Trafficking of Persons Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. We have received recognition from numerous organizations for our criminal defense work in Texas. But most significantly, our clients applaud us for consistently delivering exceptional results in challenging cases.

A tremendous amount of tax dollars are currently being funnelled into human trafficking enforcement across Texas and across America. Police and prosecutors have been able to signifcantly enlarge their operating budgets by appealing to the narrative that the problem is widespread and pervasive. A sexual trafficking charge is extremely severe, yet the definition of the crime is wide-ranging. Individuals with even slight connections to sex trafficking might find themselves facing these charges. However, not everyone accused of sexual trafficking is necessarily guilty of the crime they are charged with.

All of the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense attorneys have dedicated their careers to defending clients in criminal courts. We maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation, and we represent clients who expect this highest level of legal representation.

We’re not just Dallas Trafficking of Persons lawyers. We are warriors fighting unjust and corrupt government prosecutions with a history of success and a reputation for tenacity, courage and legal ingenuity.

In addition to our notable high-profile victories, our history of success also includes inconspicuous representation of numerous high-profile clients. Indeed, many of our biggest wins involved disposing of these cases quietly and out of the sight of the public. If the police have already arrested you for Trafficking of Persons, the most important thing for you to do is to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to defend you against the onslaught of prosecution by the state. You are not guilty unless and until the Dallas District Attorney proves its case in court.

Our experienced team is here to defend your rights and provide the guidance you need. Don’t navigate the criminal justice system alone. Call us today to take the first step toward your peace of mind and a strong Dallas Trafficking of Persons defense.

---

Contact a Dallas
Trafficking of Persons Lawyer

When you are ready to fight your case with us, schedule online or call us at 888-239-9305 to book a free, confidential consultation.

---

Choosing The Right Dallas Trafficking of Persons Lawyer Can Make A Huge Difference In Your Case Result

Why would you hire a former prosecutor? Surprisingly, some people believe that former prosecutors provide some special advantage. However, many of these attorneys seem to quickly push clients to a plea deal. If you really want someone who will fight for you or your loved one, get an attorney who has dedicated their life to protecting the accused.

At Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense, we are defense lawyers, first and foremost. We stake our reputation on bringing the fight to the state. We have never worked for the government and never will. Learn more about our team, awards, and some of our victories.

How do I get a Trafficking of Persons charge dropped in Dallas, Texas?

In order to get a Trafficking of Persons charge dropped in Dallas, you must convince the state that they cannot prove at least one of the elements of the offense as it is defined in Penal Code §20A.02.^[1] Our lawyers are experts in the Texas law regarding Trafficking of Persons, and we leverage our legal knowledge to mount successful defenses to government prosecutions.

Thoroughly understanding both the Trafficking of Persons statute and related case law contributes to effectively defending you in court. As part of our practice, we publish and regularly update a statutory resource guide covering all Texas Penal Code crimes. We analyze the Trafficking of Persons statute in detail on the Trafficking of Persons offense page. We also maintain our expertise by keeping up with the latest case law affecting Trafficking of Persons cases in Dallas.

One such case is Singleton v. State.

Singleton v. State

In Singleton v. State, decided by the Court of Appeals of Texas, Fifth District, Dallas on June 4, 2019, Ricky Alan Singleton was convicted in Dallas County of Sexual Assault and Trafficking of Persons, while being acquitted of compelling prostitution. This case highlights important legal principles regarding double jeopardy and sufficiency of evidence in the context of human trafficking and sexual offenses.

Double Jeopardy: Singleton’s argument against his convictions on the grounds of double jeopardy was rejected based on Texas Penal Code Ann. § 20A.02(c), which clearly allows for concurrent prosecution under both charges if justified by the defendant’s actions. This illustrates the specificity of state law in defining permissible charges and reaffirms the legislative intent to allow multiple charges for actions that encompass different aspects of criminal behavior.

Sufficiency of the Evidence: The sufficiency of the evidence to support Singleton’s trafficking conviction was upheld based on the credible testimony from the victim, C.T. Her detailed accounts of how Singleton manipulated and coerced her into sexual activities with others substantiated the elements of the trafficking charge. Additionally, the appellate review stressed the jury’s role in determining witness credibility, which is crucial in cases involving personal testimonies of sensitive incidents.

Jury Charge Error: The challenge to the jury charge was also addressed, with the appellate court finding no reversible error. The charge properly instructed the jury on the definitions of “intentionally” and “knowingly”, crucial for determining the mindset required for the charged crimes. This part of the decision emphasizes the importance of accurate jury instructions in criminal trials, ensuring that legal definitions are clearly conveyed to lay jurors.

What does a Trafficking of Persons charge really mean?

The general definition of the Texas charge of Trafficking of Persons, according to the Texas Penal Code, is as follows:

(a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:

(1) traffics another person with the intent that the trafficked person engage in forced labor or services;

(2) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves an activity described by Subdivision (1), including by receiving labor or services the person knows are forced labor or services;

(3) traffics another person and, through force, fraud, or coercion, causes the trafficked person to engage in conduct prohibited by:

(A) Section 43.02 (Prostitution);

(B) Section 43.03 (Promotion of Prostitution);

(B-1) Section 43.031 (Online Promotion of Prostitution);

(C) Section 43.04 (Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution);

(C-1) Section 43.041 (Aggravated Online Promotion of Prostitution); or

(D) Section 43.05 (Compelling Prostitution);

(4) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves an activity described by Subdivision (3) or engages in sexual conduct with a person trafficked in the manner described in Subdivision (3);

(5) traffics a child with the intent that the trafficked child engage in forced labor or services;

(6) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves an activity described by Subdivision (5), including by receiving labor or services the person knows are forced labor or services;

(7) traffics a child and by any means causes the trafficked child to engage in, or become the victim of, conduct prohibited by:

(A) Section 21.02 (Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Child or Disabled Individual);

(B) Section 21.11 (Indecency with a Child);

(C) Section 22.011 (Sexual Assault);

(D) Section 22.021 (Aggravated Sexual Assault);

(E) Section 43.02 (Prostitution);

(E-1) Section 43.021 (Solicitation of Prostitution);

(F) Section 43.03 (Promotion of Prostitution);

(F-1) Section 43.031 (Online Promotion of Prostitution);

(G) Section 43.04 (Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution);

(G-1) Section 43.041 (Aggravated Online Promotion of Prostitution);

(H) Section 43.05 (Compelling Prostitution);

(I) Section 43.25 (Sexual Performance by a Child);

(J) Section 43.251 (Employment Harmful to Children); or

(K) Section 43.26 (Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography); or

(8) receives a benefit from participating in a venture that involves an activity described by Subdivision (7) or engages in sexual conduct with a child trafficked in the manner described in Subdivision (7).

(a-1) Repealed by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 807 (H.B. >1540), Sec. 62(5) and Ch. 905 (H.B. >3521), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.

Law Enforcement Agencies in Dallas that Make Trafficking of Persons Arrests

Peace officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, constable offices, and municipal police departments can make arrests for violations of Trafficking of Persons in Dallas. Law enforcement agencies in Dallas that most typically make Trafficking of Persons arrests include:

• The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department handles Trafficking of Persons cases throughout Dallas County.
• Dallas Police Department serves as the primary municipal police department within Dallas County and plays a significant role in Trafficking of Persons enforcement.
• Irving Police Department also contributes to investigating Trafficking of Persons cases within its jurisdiction in Dallas County.
• Mesquite Police Department serves the community of Mesquite within Dallas County and may handle Trafficking of Persons cases within its jurisdiction.
• Grand Prairie Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Grand Prairie and contributes to investigating Trafficking of Persons cases within its jurisdiction.

How do I win a Trafficking of Persons case in Dallas?

To beat a Trafficking of Persons charge in Dallas, Texas, you must use due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence, which includes disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. Winning requires a fight.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorney, we will look for every avenue to help you. If you want to plead guilty, we must still fight to protect your rights. We want to ensure that the case does not ruin your life. Sometimes the defense strategy requires us to get the best possible result short of a not guilty verdict.

Dallas Trafficking of Persons Attorney Case Defense Strategy

In order to form a winning Trafficking of Persons case defense strategy, we must thoroughly investigate the case. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses or inconsistencies. Accordingly, the preparation often starts even before the case begins. As soon as the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we can start our own investigation. If you want to win your case, then you should work to obtain exculpatory evidence. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. As your Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorney, we can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

Our clients take advantage of our law firm’s comprehensive investigative resources. Our dedicated team comprising paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts, collaborates with our attorneys to lay the groundwork that fortifies our cases with their extensive investigative expertise.

How much does a lawyer charge for a Trafficking of Persons case in Dallas, Texas?

Attorney’s fees will vary. However, you can expect to pay from $15,000 to $60,000 on average for Trafficking of Persons cases in Dallas. Some Dallas Trafficking of Persons lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Dallas case. But be wary of lawyers who charge surprisingly low fees.

When consulting with a lawyer, remember to ask whether any any hourly fees apply. Additionally, most lawyers charge extra fees for trial, travel and expenses.

What to Do if Falsely Accused of Trafficking of Persons in Dallas

Even if someone has falsely accused you of Trafficking of Persons, you should nevertheless still always take this charge very seriously. You may think that the state may “drop charges” against you because you are innocent. But absent effective advocacy by a lawyer, the state will often take the case to trial and let the jury decide.

If the state has charged you with Trafficking of Persons, or if you are under investigation for the offense, then you should book an appointment or call us as soon as possible to speak with one of our Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorneys.

How can you modify your Dallas bond conditions after a Trafficking of Persons arrest?

Often times, judges will set your initial bond conditions using standard forms that do not take into account your particular situation. If you need to change your bond conditions, you will need to do so through petitioning the court.

If your case has already been filed, you have to file a motion to modify your bond conditions. If your case has not been filed, you will need to file a writ of habeas corpus. Usually, judges will set a hearing to consider these pleadings. At the hearing, you will need to present evidence and argue why your bond conditions should be modified.

Your Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorney will handle this process.

We often receive requests to modify ond conditions related to travel. In many cases, courts will restrict your travel, but you may need to travel for work or important family members. If you have a good reason to travel, courts will usually allow you to do so.

What happens at a Dallas arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Dallas judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Dallas, you may not have an attorney at your initial arraignment. However, the court will not hear a guilty plea prior to your being represented by counsel. In addition, the court may also set bail and bond conditions if you have not already received them.

If the police have arrested you for Trafficking of Persons, then Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §17.40 requires Dallas judges to “impose any reasonable condition of bond related to the safety of a victim of the alleged offense or to the safety of the community” to secure your attendance at trial. If the state alleges that you violated those bond conditions, then the Dallas Sheriff’s Office can immediately return you to custody. Accordingly, judges have very broad power in determining bail conditions and bond amounts.

What is the most common sentence for a Trafficking of Persons charge in Dallas, Texas?

The Texas Penal code outlines the range of punishment for Trafficking of Persons convictions across the state. The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Trafficking of Persons as either a first or second degree felony, depending on the circumstances, with a potential minimum 25 year prison sentence.

However, the punishment you actually receive will vary significantly based on a number of circumstances. For Trafficking of Persons cases, some of the factors that play into the potential punishent include your prior criminal history, the circumstances of the offense, the age of the alleged victim, and whether the case involved violence.

With this in mind, you can learn more about the range of punishment applicable to all Texas convictions for Trafficking of Persons here. Otherwise, to learn more about what kind of punishment is typical in Dallas Trafficking of Persons cases, call us to schedule a consultation or book online.

Probation & Community Supervision

Trafficking of Persons convictions are not eligible for probation or deferred adjudication probation.

Sex Offender Registration Requirements for Trafficking of Persons Cases in Dallas

Certain types of Trafficking of Persons convictions require sex offender registration. Deferred adjudication plea deals (where a judge never finds you guilty and ultimately dismisses the case) have the same impact as convictions for purposes of registration requirements. If you have any questions about what a plea means for your permanent record, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your case.

Are you under investigation for Trafficking of Persons? Should you cooperate with the police investigation?

We have assisted our clients through many difficult police interrogations. Although we do not always recommend consenting to an interrogation, occasionally we recognize circumstances where consenting to an interrogation may serve your best interest. However, you should never do a police interview without your Dallas Trafficking of Persons lawyer present.

An arrest for Trafficking of Persons can drastically change your life, even if a court dismisses your case. Do not hesitate to contact us immediately if you are under investigation.

In some cases we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. In general, we recommend avoiding police interrogations because of the extreme level of stress that you will likely experience. Even if you are innocent, the Dallas police and the community will likely judge the way you act and what you say negatively. We must carefully consider this because this negative perception will almost certainly impact your final case disposition. As your Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorney, we can assist you in these difficult circumstances.

About Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense

If you want to hire us as your Dallas Trafficking of Persons lawyers, then you should probably get to know us!

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense Lawyers

Paul Saputo and Nicholas Toufexis are partners at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC and lead the entire trial team at the firm.

Mr. Saputo has practiced throughout Texas in more than fifty Texas state and federal courts and developed groundbreaking innovations in defense strategies and tactics. After graduating from the elite Duke University School of Law, a nationally recognized top-ten law school, Mr. Saputo started his career at Vinson & Elkins. More about Paul Saputo…

Mr. Toufexis is a veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law. He has dedicated his entire legal career to criminal defense, and has been with the firm since law school. Recently named a partner, Nick has achieved exceptional results in and out of court for years. More about Nick…

Awards

Numerous organizations have awarded Mr. Saputo recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work, for example:

• Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Rating
• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Consistently recognized by D Magazine in “Best Lawyers” for Criminal Defense
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: White Collar practice area.

Paul Saputo was voted one of the Three Best Rated Criminal Defense Lawyers in Dallas

More Awards & Recognition…

Nicholas Toufexis has likewise received many distinctions as well.

• Recognized by Super Lawyers®
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for 2024 under the Criminal Defense: DWI/DUI practice area.

Victories

The Dallas Trafficking of Persons attorneys at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC have obtained hundreds of victories in complex criminal litigation across Texas. Our victories include Not Guilty verdicts by jury acquittals, directed verdicts of Not Guilty, as well as both conditional and unconditional dismissals.

For descriptions and some details about example victories, visit our page on Notable Victories.

Reviews

One example review from a real client:

Nick Troufexis was super. He helped a family member out and was great from beginning to the end. Looking for a dependable, honest straight forward law firm. This is your firm and Nick is the guy. Talking about results, oh he delivered on every spectrum. So if your on the phone with another law firm, hang up and call Saputo Defense NOW!!!

– Real client review posted on the Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC Google Profile.

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

---

Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §20A.02.