We investigate, rescue, and seek justice for human trafficking victims. We do this by focusing on a dual track approach. On one side we do everything in our power to help rescue and heal victims, while at the same time and with equal vigor, we successfully prosecute their abusers.
Human Trafficking is often referred to as a form of modern day slavery. Many still think it only occurs in other countries. Human Trafficking however is a crime that affects our community and our nation. Florida ranks #3 in the nation for reported cases. Miami-Dade ranks #1. The law defines human Trafficking as the transporting, soliciting, recruiting, harboring, providing, enticing, maintaining, or obtaining another person for the purpose of exploitation of that person. Human Trafficking includes both sex trafficking, was well as labor trafficking. It is punished pursuant to Florida Statute 787.06. To read the full Statute visit: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0787/Sections/0787.06.html.
For Adults, there must be a showing that the adult is being coerced into engaging in commercial sexual activity or labor services. What qualifies as coercion? Physical force, Isolation, Confinement, Predatory lending, Destruction or withholding of immigrations documents, Financial harm, Drugging, are some examples. For Minors under the age of 18, no force, fraud, or coercion is required. A minor cannot consent to being trafficked. Human Trafficking of a minor is strict liability crime.
Although human trafficking can be kept hidden behind closed doors, many human trafficking victims and situations can be right under your nose. By knowing the signs, everyone has the ability to discover and prevent human trafficking.
Signs of Human Trafficking: (The following red flags may be indicators that a person is being commercially sexually exploited)
Human
MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY
