Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons Attorney

Are You Looking for the Best Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons Attorney?

If you’re looking for the best Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our award-winning attorneys relentlessly defend our clients in Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons cases, ensuring they explore every possible avenue to secure the best possible outcome.

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.

The Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense team seeks to represent discerning clients who value our commitment to achieving outstanding results. Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to criminal defense and maintain an unwavering dedication to delivering expert representation.

We’re not just Tarrant County 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. When you are facing a criminal prosecution, you have a lot to worry about. Accordingly, our Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons attorney representation does not stop at the Fort Worth courthouse door.

Our team of seasoned professionals has dedicated their careers to safeguarding the rights of our clients. Contact us now to start preparing your defense against Trafficking of Persons charges in Tarrant County.

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Contact a Tarrant County
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.

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Choosing The Right Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County, Texas?

In order to get a Trafficking of Persons charge dropped in Tarrant County, 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 Tarrant County.

One such case is Davis v. State.

Davis v. State

In Davis v. State, delivered on April 28, 2016, by the Court of Appeals of Texas Second District Fort Worth, Ricky D. Davis appealed his conviction for Trafficking of Persons in Tarrant County. The appeal was based on the sufficiency of evidence to support the conviction and a claimed due process violation due to a variance between the indictment and the State’s theory and proof at trial. The case centered around the 2012 summer incident where Davis sexually assaulted twelve-year-old Adrianna, attempted to sell her for sex to a neighbor, and then at a bar. Although he was indicted and convicted under the “forced labor or services” category with specific mention of “sexual conduct,” Davis contended that the statute explicitly excludes sexual conduct from the definition of “forced labor or services.”

The appellate court agreed with Davis, finding that the indictment and jury charge allowed for a conviction under a form of “forced labor or services” that the penal code does not recognize. As a result, the court determined that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to support the conviction for trafficking under the specific charges. The opinion highlighted that the State’s arguments and evidence focused on proving Davis’s intent to engage Adrianna in sexual conduct, which is not included under “forced labor or services” as defined by Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 20A.01(2).

Therefore, the appellate court reversed Davis’s conviction and rendered a judgment of acquittal. This decision underscores the importance of precise alignment between the indictment, the statutory definition of the offense, and the evidence presented at trial. The court’s ruling highlights the legal distinction between the charged offense and the evidence required to uphold a conviction, emphasizing the specificity needed in criminal proceedings.

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 Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County. Law enforcement agencies in Tarrant County that most typically make Trafficking of Persons arrests include:

• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is one of the primary agencies responsible for Trafficking of Persons cases in Tarrant County, Texas.
• Fort Worth Police Department serves as the main municipal police department within Tarrant County and plays a significant role in Trafficking of Persons cases in Fort Worth.
• Arlington Police Department also contributes to making arrests for Trafficking of Persons within its jurisdiction in Tarrant County.
• Haltom City Police Department serves the community of Haltom City within Tarrant County and may make Trafficking of Persons arrests within its jurisdiction.
• Keller Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within Keller and may handle Trafficking of Persons cases within its jurisdiction.

How do I win a Trafficking of Persons case in Tarrant County?

To beat a Trafficking of Persons charge in Tarrant County, Texas, you must utilize due process to confront all witnesses and challenge all evidence. This means disputing reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and all forensic evidence. You can’t win if you don’t fight.

Even if you believe you cannot beat the case, as your Tarrant County 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.

Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons case requires being fully prepared for all hearings and court settings – not just trials. Accordingly, when you hire us as your Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office knows that we are getting ready for trial. They know that we are going for an outright acquittal.

But the preparation often starts even before the case begins. From the moment that the police initiate an investigation or make an arrest, we have work to do. If you want to win your case, then we must do our own investigation. The state has police and investigators of their own working for them to gather evidence to support their case. We can’t afford to let their evidence stand uncontroverted.

As a client, you will benefit from the investigative resources of the entire law firm. We have a team of dedicated professionals, including paralegals, investigators, and forensic experts. Our attorneys utilize our team’s extensive investigative experience to perform the ground work that makes our cases strong.

How much does it cost to fight a Tarrant County, Texas, Trafficking of Persons case?

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 Tarrant County. Some Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons lawyers may charge much more depending on the complexity of the Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County

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 Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons attorneys.

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

In Texas, judges wield considerable authority in establishing bail and bond conditions. However, there are instances where judges may impose excessively stringent conditions and unreasonably high bail amounts. If you want to change these bond conditions, start by consulting with your Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons attorney.

Your attorney will file either a motion or a writ of habeas corpus requesting a modification of your bond conditions. The motion or writ outlines the specific changes you are seeking and the reasons for the requested modification.

The judge will ultimately decide whether to approve the requested modifications. They will consider factors such as the nature of the charges, your criminal history, the risk to public safety, and other relevant circumstances. Keep in mind that the judge will base the decision on a careful evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case.

What happens at a Tarrant County arraignment?

At your arraignment, a Tarrant County judge will hear your plea of not guilty. In Tarrant County, 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 Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County, 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 Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County

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 typically recommend consenting to a police interrogation or interview, there are circumstances when we consider it. However, you should never do a police interview without your Tarrant County Trafficking of Persons lawyer present.

When police bring you in for an interview, they already believe that you committed the offense. Accordingly, this belief will inform their interpretation of your answers. Generally, when people believe something, they will only see things that confirm their belief. This is called confirmation bias, and this is what leads to police charging innocent people with crimes.

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 addition, remember that people do not usually communicate perfectly clearly under intense pressure. The extreme stress of a police interview can cause you to say something that police then misinterpret. And even the way you look during the interview significantly impacts the police decision to arrest you. For all of these reasons, we carefully consider the decision to interview because it will have a huge impact on the ultimate outcome your case.

In some cases, we have communicated directly with law enforcement authorities on behalf of our clients instead of consenting to a direct interrogation. As your Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County 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 Tarrant County 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:

I am so grateful for the help I received from Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense PLLC. Nicholas Toufexis is amazing and exceeded my expectations. He is prompt and gets results. It’s been an absolute pleasure to do business with TEAM SAPUTO!!

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

See more client reviews and testimonials here.

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Legal References:

^1. Texas Penal Code §20A.02.