Being accused of a serious offence like human trafficking can be life-altering. It can affect your reputation, freedom, and future. At Statsny Law, our experienced Toronto human trafficking lawyers provide thorough, non-judgmental legal support to our clients facing these serious charges.
Our team is committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through this challenging time. If you have been charged, reach out as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. You can call our Toronto office at 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com.
Understanding Human Trafficking Offences in Canada
Human trafficking, which can also be referred to as human trafficking, is a complex crime that includes a variety of illegal activities. The Criminal Code of Canada defines human trafficking under sections 279.01 to 279.04, which covers human trafficking offences, exploitation, and profiting from trafficking in persons.
In Canada and Ontario, human trafficking refers to any attempt to control, exploit, or profit from another individual’s sexual services through coercion, fraud, or threats. It’s a serious charge that requires experienced legal knowledge and a carefully crafted defence strategy.
Types of Charges Associated with Human Trafficking
Human trafficking charges are complicated and may involve several related charges that carry a multitude of severe penalties. Some common charges brought in human trafficking cases include:
- Trafficking in Persons: The act of recruiting, transporting, or harbouring an individual for the purpose of exploitation. The accused may be charged regardless of whether the alleged victim’s consent was involved in cases that refer to coercion.
- Exploitation: The Criminal Code defines exploitation as any circumstance in which a person is forced or compelled to provide a service, with an emphasis on sexual exploitation in human trafficking cases.
- Living off the Avails of Trafficking: This offence involves financially benefiting from another individual’s coerced sexual or other services. It often carries strict penalties, including long-term prison sentences.
- Profiting from Human Trafficking: Any profit from a trafficking operation is punishable under Canadian Law and can come with severe financial penalties, as well as a prison sentence.
- Withholding or Destroying a Person’s Identity Documents: This offence is normally committed to facilitate the trafficking of the person in question (adult or child). It might include taking someone’s driver’s license, passport, or other important identification to keep them dependent on the accused.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, police or prosecutors may also charge other offences under the Criminal Code that relate to human trafficking. These can include:
- Kidnapping
- Forcible confinement
- Uttering threats
- Extortion
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Prostitution-related offences
- Organized crime-related offences
- And more
Penalties for Human Trafficking in Ontario
Human trafficking is one of the most heavily penalized crimes in Canada. Under the Criminal Code:
- Trafficking a person under 18 years old is punishable by a minimum five-year prison sentence
- Trafficking adults carries a minimum sentence of four years
Maximum penalties for human trafficking can extend up to life imprisonment. This is generally the case when aggravating factors, such as physical violence, threats, or involvement in organized crime are involved. These severe penalties underscore the importance of a robust defence strategy.
How Our Toronto Human Trafficking Lawyers Can Assist You
Facing a human trafficking charge is daunting, but having a knowledgeable and compassionate legal advocate on your side can be helpful. Our team at Statsny Law is prepared to thoroughly investigate the details of your case, scrutinize evidence, and challenge the prosecution wherever possible.
Here’s how we help clients:
- Personalized Case Assessment: Our team takes the time to thoroughly review your case, understand your side of the story, and determine the best course of action.
- Examining Evidence: Human trafficking cases often hinge on complex evidence, like electronic data, financial transactions, or witness statements. Our team will carefully review all available evidence to identify inconsistencies that may weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Challenging Testimonies: Often, trafficking cases rely on testimony from alleged victims or witnesses, which may be subject to pressure or misinterpretation. We will carefully examine testimonies for inconsistencies so that we can establish a clear and accurate narrative of events.
- Pursuing Alternatives to Sentences: Depending on the circumstances of your case, we may explore alternative sentencing options, like reduced charges or rehabilitation programs.
- Non-Judgmental Support: We believe every person deserves fair representation. Our team is committed to offering you respect and support, regardless of the circumstances.
When facing a serious charge like human trafficking, you need a legal team that is compassionate, experienced, and dedicated to advocating for your rights. Statsny Law’s Toronto human trafficking lawyers are set apart by their commitment to helping clients pursue their goals.
Defending Against Human Trafficking Charges in Ontario
Each case of human trafficking is unique, and the defence strategy we use will depend on your specific circumstances. Some of the strategies we might explore while building your defence include:
- Challenging Intent: For a trafficking charge to be held, the prosecution must be able to prove intent. In some cases, we can demonstrate that there was no intent to exploit or harm the alleged victim.
- Questioning the Validity of Evidence: Evidence used in human trafficking cases may be unreliable or unlawfully obtained. We will scrutinize evidence and raise objections if any was obtained without a proper warrant or through an illegal search.
- Establishing Consent or Misunderstanding: Although consent does not apply in every case, especially if coercion is alleged, there are cases where misunderstandings occur. We thoroughly investigate the dynamics of your case to establish an accurate picture.
Contact Our Toronto Human Trafficking Lawyers Today
If you or someone you know is facing a human trafficking charge in Toronto, don’t hesitate to seek legal support. The experienced Toronto human trafficking lawyers at Statsny Law are here to help guide you through the legal system with the speed and precision you need.
To schedule a confidential consultation, call 416-303-5164 or email us at info@stastnylaw.com. Time is of the essence – get started building your defence with our team right away.
