Slavery and involuntary servitude have been a scourge on humanity for millennia and a stain on this country that lingers to this day. But slavery did not end when Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Every day, throughout this country and around the world, thousands of people are caught in the web of human trafficking, forced to work against their will without compensation, suffering physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and other violations.
If federal or Illinois prosecutors believe that you are involved in human trafficking, they will do everything they can to put you behind bars for a very long time. The law imposes severe penalties on those convicted of human trafficking and related offenses, and the nature of the allegations and the scope of the problem mean that the full power of the state will be brought to bear against you.
At Wigell Law Group, our Chicago human trafficking defense attorneys recognize that individuals facing these kinds of charges need the best possible representation if they are to effectively fight these serious allegations. With experience, skill, and tenacity, we protect our clients’ rights and implement strategies designed to obtain the most favorable outcomes possible.
Skilled Defense Against All Human Trafficking Charges
Illinois has one of the toughest human trafficking laws in the country. The Trafficking of Persons and Involuntary Servitude Act of Illinois (720 ILCS 5/10-9) establishes severe penalties for those convicted of crimes relating to the exploitation of both minors and adults.
This includes specific trafficking offenses such as:
- Involuntary servitude – forcing another person to perform labor or services through physical harm, threats, and other forms of abuse.
- Involuntary sexual servitude of a minor – encouraging, deceiving or forcing a minor into commercial sexual activity.
- Trafficking in persons for forced labor or services – knowingly participating or benefiting from a venture involving any kind of involuntary servitude.
You Face Years in Prison for a Human Trafficking Conviction
All human trafficking offenses are felonies in Illinois, meaning you will face years in prison if convicted. How long you will spend incarcerated depends on the facts and circumstances of your alleged conduct. Even the lowest felony class for human trafficking – class 4 – will still result in a sentence of between one to three years. Most human trafficking charges are prosecuted as class 1 felonies, which carry a potential sentence of four to 15 years in state prison and fines of up to $25,000.
However, if the charge involves kidnapping or attempted kidnapping, aggravated or attempted criminal sexual assault, or an attempt to commit first-degree murder, it will be charged as a class X felony, with a prison sentence of between six and 30 years and $25,000 in fines. On top of these already harsh sentences, additional years can be added if the victim suffered bodily injury or was held against his or her will for an extended period.
Get Help Today With Your Chicago Human Trafficking Charges
Regardless of the circumstances and no matter how hopeless things may seem, Wigell Law Group’s dedicated Chicago human trafficking defense attorneys will spare no effort to fight the charges and will aggressively challenge prosecutors at every turn.
For over 40 years, individuals charged with serious felonies including human trafficking have turned to us to protect their rights and their futures. To schedule your free and confidential initial consultation to discuss your situation, please call us today at 312-548-9250 or use our online contact form.
