Human trafficking is a serious crime, and it’s happening right here in our local communities. In fact, Florida is ranked the third-worst state for human trafficking, only behind Texas and California.
Human trafficking is a violation of human rights and dignity, and the journey to recovery starts with justice. The attorneys at KFB Law are committed to holding the individuals and businesses that allow these crimes to happen accountable and getting victims the compensation they deserve.
Contact us to speak with a human trafficking lawyer today. Your consultation is confidential – any information you give us cannot be used against you.
What is human sex trafficking?
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers force, coerce, or manipulate victims into performing commercial sex acts (sex trafficking) or working in illegal conditions (labor trafficking) against their will. It’s the business of stealing freedom for profit – traffickers generate billions of dollars per year at the expense of an estimated 20 to 40 million people around the world.
The attorneys at KFB specialize in working with sex trafficking survivors. While it’s a common myth that sex trafficking only affects women and non-citizens, it can affect anyone of any gender, age, or citizenship status. Those most vulnerable to this type of crime are runaways, homeless youth, and victims of domestic violence or discrimination.
In the state of Florida, sex trafficking is prosecuted aggressively. While an adult victim must be able to prove that they were forced or coerced into performing commercial sex acts, victims under the age of 18 do not. Sexually exploiting a minor in any context constitutes a human trafficking conviction.
How can a human trafficking lawyer help me?
While there’s no doubt that sex trafficking is a serious crime, many victims don’t seek help. There are many reasons for this, such as:
- Victims may not be aware of their rights or have been intentionally misinformed about their rights by their abusers
- If they are non-citizens, victims may fear deportation if they talk to law enforcement
- Fear for their safety and the safety of their families
Seeking the help you deserve is not easy, but it’s the first step to reclaiming your life.
The attorneys at Kinney, Fernandez, and Boire, are passionate about helping human trafficking victims seek justice. Our legal team works to compensate victims for the physical, mental, and economic damage they’ve experienced. We fight to hold traffickers and the establishments that enable them accountable in court. And if criminal charges cannot be filed, we will pursue a civil lawsuit against any party that contributed to your abuse.
As experienced personal injury lawyers, we also help survivors with additional legal needs that may arise. For example, many trafficking victims have criminal records as a result of the activities they were forced to perform. This presents a major roadblock on the way to rebuilding their lives. A criminal record can make it so difficult to find jobs and housing that some victims end up going back.
The good news is that Florida law allows for human trafficking survivors to petition for the removal of any offense committed while they were a victim. Your human trafficking lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of criminal record expungement.
We hold establishments accountable for sex trafficking
Human trafficking isn’t something that only happens in faraway countries or dark back alleys. It’s happening here in plain sight, at establishments like:
- Hotels
- Motels
- Massage businesses
- Casinos
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Truck stops
- Resorts
In recent years, new laws have been passed that require employees to complete human trafficking recognition training. Unfortunately, many of these establishments still end up turning a blind eye to human trafficking because it’s more profitable to ignore the problem than to do something about it.
There is no good excuse for ignoring human trafficking crimes, and KFB Law holds these establishments accountable. They have a responsibility to proactively protect their guests and customers, and those that do business with traffickers will face legal repercussions.
Sex trafficking and the internet
In addition to the physical establishments listed above, many traffickers are using the internet to trap and exploit victims. It’s also made it easier for predators to remain anonymous and avoid criminal charges.
Traffickers can hide behind social media accounts and promise their victims love, fame, or a better paying job. They may even impersonate their victims online, damage their reputation by posting illicit photos, or stalk their accounts long after they’ve left.
Abusers are experts at psychological manipulation, but remember that it is never your fault. It doesn’t matter if you trusted someone or chose to meet them somewhere – you did not deserve to be trafficked. KFB Law works to ensure that victims of online sex trafficking victims are heard, believed, and protected.
Your legal consultation is 100% confidential
Many human trafficking victims don’t speak out because they’re afraid of retaliation from their abusers. However, you can trust that your legal consultation with a human trafficking lawyer at KFB Law is completely confidential. Everything you say stays between you and your attorney.
If you suspect that human sex trafficking is happening in your community, say something. Contact an anonymous 24/7 tip line like the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or text HELP to BEFREE (233733).
Having a compassionate advocate on your side in and out of the courtroom can make all the difference. If you or someone you love has been a victim of human trafficking and you’re ready to take legal action against your abusers, call the attorneys at Kinney, Fernandez, & Boire.
Click Here: Important information for human trafficking victims
