Zavala County Trafficking of Persons Attorney

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

If you’re looking for the best Zavala County Trafficking of Persons attorney, then Paul Saputo and Nick Toufexis want to represent you. Our award-winning attorneys relentlessly defend our clients in Zavala 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.

Our boutique criminal defense practice at Saputo Toufexis | Criminal Defense is distinguished by our unwavering commitment to delivering consistently high-level legal representation. We believe in providing extraordinary service to our clients, and we seek to represent clients who expect as much.

We’re not just Zavala 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. 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 Zavala County District Attorney proves its case in court.

Our experienced team works tirelessly to build a strong defense and protect our clients’ rights. We can provide you with an effective defense strategy for your Zavala County Continuous Trafficking of Persons case. Call us or book an appointment online today.

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Contact a Zavala 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 Zavala 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 Zavala County, Texas?

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

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

• Zavala County Sheriff’s Office: Responsible for law enforcement throughout Zavala County, including Trafficking of Persons investigations and arrests.
• Crystal City Police Department: Provides law enforcement services within the city of Crystal City.

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

To beat a Trafficking of Persons charge in Zavala County, 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 Zavala 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.

Zavala County Trafficking of Persons Attorney Case Defense Strategy

Getting the best result in a Zavala 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 Zavala County Trafficking of Persons attorney, we prepare early and thoroughly. As soon as we get on a case, the Zavala 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 a lawyer charge for a Trafficking of Persons case in Zavala County, Texas?

Attorney’s fees for a Trafficking of Persons charge typically range from $15,000 to $60,000 in Zavala County, Texas. You can expect to pay higher attorney fees for more complex cases. Some Zavala County Trafficking of Persons lawyers may charge much more. But exercise caution when encountering attorneys who offer unexpectedly low fees.

In addition, many lawyers charge extra fees for trial. If you hire an attorney from outside Zavala County, sometimes travel fees may apply.

What You Should Do if You Are Falsely Accused of Trafficking of Persons in Zavala County

Even when falsely accused of Trafficking of Persons, it’s crucial to treat the charge with the utmost seriousness. You might hope the state would dismiss the charges due to your innocence. But without skilled legal representation, the case may proceed to trial, where a jury will ultimately make the decision.

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

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

Start by consulting with your Zavala County Trafficking of Persons attorney. Work closely with your attorney to build a compelling case for the requested modifications.

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 Zavala County arraignment?

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

Nick Toufexis is an AMAZING lawyer! I am so thankful for all of his help throughout this entire process. I was having a lot of problems with my situation, and he helped me navigate my case from beginning to end. His representation was exactly what I needed, and he got the job done! Nick, thank you again for all of your help. Couldn’t have done it without you!

– 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.