The term “human trafficking” is most often associated with prostitution and forced sex work. However, human trafficking also comes in the form of labor without wages. Unfortunately, many immigrants come to the United States hoping for a better life and find themselves in forced labor situations. Take for instance the Norman bed and breakfast owners who enslaved a Cambodian woman.
The owners paid for the woman’s legal entry. This was about $8,000. They required that she work to pay off the debt. During this time, the owners physical beat, forced her to give her child up for adoption, and forced her to work for three years without wages. This totals an estimated $80,000 worth of wages she deserves. Further, the couple was able to contain the woman by refusing to give her the immigration and identity documents that she needed. Read more to learn about the legal ramifications of human trafficking.
Types of Human Trafficking
While sexual exploitation is the most common form of trafficking in Oklahoma, labor trafficking is also a serious problem. This often occurs against immigrants who are unaware of the laws and have language barriers to fight through. They are promised entry into the country from potential “employers.” Once in the country these fake employers will take the immigrant’s identification documents and keep them. Unfortunately, the inability to break through the language barrier or provide legal identification puts the victim in a situation where they simply must work in order to stay alive.
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Sexual exploitation is a different type of human trafficking. Generally a pimp “owns” victims and requires them to perform sexual acts for money. They control the victims through threats, physical violence, and blackmail. Many prostitutes and escorts are subject to the control of a pimp and are actually trafficking victims.
Legal Ramifications to Human Trafficking
As you might expect, human trafficking is illegal. Section (B) of 21 Okl.St.Ann § 748 a person must “knowingly” be trafficking or be aware that it is happening. So if someone is aware that human trafficking is occurring and does not report it, they may be complicit in the crime. The legal consequences are under section (C). This says that human trafficking is a felony offense. This comes with a minimum prison sentence of 5 years. Fines may also accompany the prison sentence in amounts reaching $100,000 as well as any restitution to the victim.
There are some deviations in the law regarding specific situations. First, if the human trafficking victim is under the age of 18, then a minimum prison sentence is 15 years instead of 10. Fines also increase and may reach up to $250,000. Second, if you are a trafficking victim that is being forced to recruit and traffic other victims, then you may have a legal defense against your charges.
Free Criminal Law Consultation In Wagoner
The Kania Law Office – Wagoner Attorneys know how to get the results you deserve. Our criminal defense attorneys are aggressive advocates for you and your family. While you may be facing trafficking charges, we can create a defense addressing your specific situation. Call us today at 918-283-7394 or follow this link to ask a free on line legal question.
