State Laws
Trafficking In Persons
Allowing Victims To Become Survivors: The Grim Reality
According to data from the United Nations, human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise globally, enslaving over 27 million people and generating an estimated $150 billion a year. While trafficking is found in every country and every region, it remains a hidden crime where only a tiny fraction of the percentage of offenders are brought to justice. From 2012 until 2012, only 6800 traffickers were convicted worldwide, and only four out of ten countries reported ten or more convictions, while 15% have no convictions at all. Last year, only 5 271 traffickers were convicted worldwide, down from four thousand beliefs in 2019. Although there is no date as to the number of traffickers, it is safe to assume the vast majority are neither apprehended nor prosecuted.
As attorneys, we must do everything we can to assist victims of human trafficking so they can rebuild their lives; this means fighting for stiffer penalties and making sure the traffickers are held accountable for their actions.
Human Trafficking Federal Law
The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act (TVPA) was influential on October 28, 2000, to combat trafficking in persons, especially in the sex trade and involuntary servitude, to reauthorize specific Federal programs to prevent violence against women. In 2003, 2006, and 2008 the TVPA was renewed. In 2008 it was renamed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. In 2013 this Act was attached as an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act and passed.
For a victim to receive T-visa certain federal and state benefits, they must admit/prove they have faced a severe form of trafficking and play a role in the prosecutor of their traffickers.
Under federal law, a “severe form of trafficking” must prove force, fraud, or coercion occurred before turning 18 years of age or be recruited, harbored, or transferred for labor trafficking.
Other Acts:
The Customs and Facilitations and Trade Enforcement Reauthorization Act of 2009. Tariff Act of 1930
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004.
Under federal law, a “severe form of trafficking” must prove force, fraud, or coercion occurred before turning 18 years of age or be recruited, harbored, or transferred for labor trafficking.
Human Trafficking State Laws
In 2003, Washington became the first state to criminalize traffickers and pimps. Every state has enacted laws over the last eighteen years, but not all laws are created equally. The laws vary from who is defined as a “trafficker,” the statutory elements required to prove guilt to obtain a conviction, and the seriousness of the crime.
The weakest state laws are Arkansas, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota.
America's Weakest HT Laws
Wyoming
Wyoming: if an adult is caught soliciting sex regardless of if the person is a minor, the fine is $750.00 and six months in county jail.
Arkansas
There state law does not prosecute the trafficker or pimp, only the person engaged in the sexual act with a child or woman. Under their current law, a John only faces a $1000 fine and 90 days in jail regardless of the person’s age
South Dakota
South Dakota: While this state does contain provisions for minor trafficking victims, the “rape shield “laws only protect a child under the age of 12. South Dakota is also one of the only states that do not require law enforcement to undergo training to pinpoint human trafficking victims. Furthermore, it is one of the few remaining states that does not have a law against sex tourism despite being a mecca for men due to hunting and Sturgis Bike Rally.
Montana
On the federal level, Montana has the lowest prison sentence of all states, a maximum of fifteen years and a $100,000 fine. Furthermore, on a state level, minors are not protected under the “rape shield” act, which protects victims under the age of 16 from facing their traffickers in court.
Fastest Growing Organized Crime, Reported To Generate
150 Billion Dollars a Year
Alabama
Human trafficking is a first-degree felony for arranging the travel of a minor for an unlawful sex act. This is punishable by 10-99 years of life without the possibility of parole in addition to $60,000 restitution. Promoting human trafficking in the first degree is a 2–20-year sentence and a $30,000 fine. If it’s a second degree promoting of prostitution or facilitating unsolicited sex with a minor, it’s a felony of up to ten years and a fine of $15,000
Alaska
Depending on the prohibited conduct, a trafficker may face 3-6 years and a fine up to $250,000- or 20-25-years imprisonment and a fine up to $500,000
Arizona
The trafficker-applicable provisions of Arizona’s “child sex trafficking” law are punishable as follows: 13–27 years imprisonment if the victim is under 15 or 3–24 years imprisonment if the victim is 15–17, depending on the prohibited conduct. “Taking a child for prostitution” is a felony punishable by 1–27 years imprisonment (depending on the prohibited conduct and the victim’s age), while “commercial sexual exploitation of a minor” is punishable by 3–24 years imprisonment. A fine of up to $150,000 may also be imposed. In 2021 a new law was passed allowing victims to file a civil lawsuit against human and sex trafficking perpetrators and anyone else who contributed to their abuse.
California
Child sex trafficking is punishable by 5-, 8-, or 12-years imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000. “Procurement of a child” is punishable by up to 8 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine when the victim is under 16. In comparison, “abduction of minors for prostitution” is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and a $2,000 fine. “Pimping” or “pandering” are felonies punishable by up to 8 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine if the victim is under 16 years of age (up to 6 years imprisonment and a $10,00 fine if the victim is 16 years of age or older).
Colorado
“Human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude” is punishable by up to 24 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000. “Soliciting for child prostitution,” “pandering of a child,” “procurement of a child,” “keeping a place of child prostitution,” “pimping of a child,” and “inducement of child prostitution” are all Class 3 felonies punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment and a fine up to $750,000. When intimidation is used, “pandering of a child” is enhanced to a Class 2 felony punishable by up to 24 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Connecticut
Trafficking in persons” is punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine, while “promoting prostitution in the first degree” is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine. “Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor” is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine
300,000 U.S. Children & Women Are Trafficked Each Year
Delaware
Trafficking an individual,” “sexual servitude” of a minor, “forced labor” involving commercial sexual activity are Class B felonies punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment when the victim is a minor. “Sexual exploitation of a child” is also a Class B felony punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment, while “promoting prostitution in the first degree” is a Class C felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. “Promoting prostitution in the second degree” and “dealing in children” are Class E felonies punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
Florida
Human trafficking and kidnapping are punishable by up to life in prison and a $10,000 to $15,000 fine. Lewd offenses such as explicit videos and images are punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
Georgia
According to Ga. Code Ann. § 16-6-13(b)(1) (Penalties for violating Code Sections 16-6-9 through 16- 6-12), when the victim is 16 or 17, the crime is punishable by imprisonment for 5–20 years, a fine of $2,500–$10,000, or both. Ga. Code Ann. § 16-6-13(b)(1). If the victim is under the age of 16, the perpetrator is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for 10–30 years, a fine not to exceed $100,000, or both
Hawaii
Traffickers convicted of “sex trafficking,” “kidnapping,” and “promoting child abuse in the first degree” face up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $50,000, while those convicted of “electronic enticement of a child in the first degree” face up to 10 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. Hawaii does not require proof of force, fraud, or coercion; however, victims are not provided punitive damages or specialized services, nor are minors eliminated from criminal liabilities due to “prostitution.”
Idaho
Any person who commits the crime of human trafficking regardless of age shall not serve more than 25 years imprisonment, but a minor is not required to provide proof of force, fraud, or coercion. Idaho law also does not prohibit a minor from being prosecuted for the crime of “prostitution.”
Illinois
Traffickers convicted of sex trafficking face 4–15 years imprisonment, increased to 6–30 years when coercion is used, or the minor is under 17, and a fine of up to $25,000. Traffickers convicted of “promoting juvenile prostitution” face 4–15 years imprisonment, increased to 6–30 years for aggravating factors, and a fine up to $25,000. “Grooming,” which is punishable by 1–3 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000, can be used to prosecute traffickers who use the Internet to commit a sexual offense. Creating and distributing CSAM is punishable by 4–15 years imprisonment, increased to 6–30 years for a first offense where the victim is under age 13, and a fine of $2,000–$100,000. A trafficker must pay restitution to the victim.
Indiana
A person who knowingly or intentionally pays to, offers to pay to, agrees to pay money or other property to, or benefits in some different manner another person for a human trafficking victim or an act performed by a human trafficking victim commits human trafficking, a Level 5 felony.
Iowa
Human trafficking of a minor is punishable as a felony by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000–$10,000, or up to 25 years imprisonment if the trafficker causes or threatens severe physical injury. A trafficker’s culpability may be limited by the statute’s
Kansas
requirement that the trafficker and victim have an ongoing relationship. “Sexual exploitation of a minor,” “pimping,” “pandering,” and “enticing a minor” (when the victim is under 13) are Class C felonies punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of $1,000–$10,000, while “solicitation of commercial sexual activity,” “enticing a minor” (when the victim is 13–16 years old), and distributing ICSE are Class D felonies punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines of $750–$7,500.
The Average Age Of Entry In The U.S, Is 12 to 14 Years Old
Kentucky
: Trafficking a minor is subject to 10–20 years imprisonment. “Using a minor or promoting someone under 16 is also punishable by 10–20 years imprisonment, while “using a minor [age 16 or 17] in a sexual performance” and “promoting human trafficking” are punishable by 5–10 years imprisonment. In addition, fines of up to $10,000 or “double [the] gain from commission of the offense.
Louisiana
Traffickers face sentences of 5–50 years imprisonment, mandatory restitution, and fines up to $75,000 if the victim was under 21. Traffickers are ineligible to receive a suspension for child sex trafficking. Creating ICSE involving minors under 17 is punishable by 10–20 years imprisonment and up to 99 years if the minor is under 13. The law provides additional penalties for traffickers who use the Internet to recruit minors under 17. Traffickers must register as sex offenders if convicted of sex trafficking and are grounds for parental rights termination.
Maine
This state does not have laws that apply to buyers of children and women, and a trafficker or pimp faces a maximum sentence of 10 years for a state felony and a minimum of 15 years for a federal offense. This does not detour human trafficking and the estimated 300 to 400 survivors enslaved each year find little to no access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Minnesota
Minnesota: A trafficker convicted of sex trafficking faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000, enhanced to 25 years and up to $60,000 if an aggravating factor is proven, such as the commission of the crime when more than one victim is involved. Convicted traffickers face possible asset forfeiture and victim restitution. “Use of minors in sexual performance” for the purpose of producing CSAM is generally punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000
Mississippi
Traffickers prosecuted under the human trafficking law face 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine of $50,000– $500,000. “Promoting prostitution” is punishable by 5–30 years imprisonment and a fine of $50,000–$500,000. Enticing a child for commercial sex is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. “Exploitation of children” for CSAM, which includes causing or soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct to create CSAM, is punishable by 5–40 years imprisonment and a $50,000–$500,000 fine.
Missouri
Sex trafficking of a child is a felony punishable by ten years–to life imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000; the penalty increases to 25 years–to life imprisonment if the victim is under 12 or force, abduction, or coercion was used. Traffickers convicted of “promoting prostitution” face up to 15 years imprisonment, depending on the minor’s age. “Abuse or neglect of a child” by sexual exploitation for the purpose of producing CSAM is punishable by 10–30 years or life imprisonment. “Promoting a sexual performance of a child” is a felony punishable by 3–10 years imprisonment and a possible fine of $10,000 or double the defendant’s gain from a commission of the offense up to $20,000. The “enticement of a child” law, which includes enticing or luring a minor under 15 via the Internet to engage in sexual conduct, may apply to traffickers who use the Internet to recruit minors for commercial sex,
Maryland
:Although Maryland’s sex trafficking law makes it a crime to exploit a minor under 18 through commercial sex without requiring the use of force, fraud, or coercion, buyers are not included as offenders under that law. Further, state law does not prohibit the criminalization of minors for prostitution offenses, but Maryland has established a statewide system for providing specialized services to commercially sexually exploited youth.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts: The human trafficking law is punishable by five years of imprisonment, with no opportunity for release and a possible fine of up to $25,000. Arranging sex with a minor for another person is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. “Deriving support from child prostitution” is punishable by a minimum of 5 years, and “promoting child prostitution” is punishable by 3–5 years imprisonment, both with fines of $5,000. “Abduction for prostitution” is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000. Enticing a child under 16 is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000, while the use of ICSE is punishable by 10–20 years imprisonment and a fine of no more than $50,000. Traffickers who use the Internet to commit sex of children under 18. must pay victim restitution. Traffickers must also register as sex offenders if their victim is under sixteen.
Michigan
Traffickers convicted of sex trafficking face 20 years imprisonment, increased to life imprisonment when kidnapping is involved in the offense, and a fine up to $20,000. “Child sexually abusive activity or material,” a CSEC offense that includes creating CSAM, is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000, while “taking or enticing away a minor under sixteen years” is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment
1 in 3 Runaway Will Be Lured Into Human Trafficking
Within 48 Hours
Nebraska
Human trafficking is a felony punishable by 20 years to life imprisonment. “Pandering” of a minor is a Class II felony punishable by 1–50 years. “Child abuse” is a Class I misdemeanor punishable by up to one 1-year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Still, the penalty may be enhanced to $10,000 if the offense was committed negligently or knowingly and if a serious bodily injury resulted. At most, “child abuse” is a felony punishable by 1–50 years imprisonment. Exploiting a child for the purpose of producing CSAM is a felony punishable by 3–50 years imprisonment.
Nevada
Child sex trafficking is punishable by up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000; additionally, traffickers could be in violation of racketeering and money laundering laws. Using a minor in the production of CSAM also carries substantial penalties. Financial penalties include fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture. The statute on “communicating with a child with the intent to persuade or lure the child into engaging in sexual conduct” provides a means of prosecuting traffickers who use the Internet or electronic communications to recruit minors for illegal sex acts. Traffickers convicted of a crime against a child or a sexual offense must register as sex offenders. Those convicted of a crime involving a sexual act may be required to register, except when the victim is over 12 and not more than four years younger than the offender. A conviction under the trafficking law may indirectly serve as grounds for terminating parental rights based on laws relating to reunification and sex offender registration.
New Hampshire
Trafficking in persons,” when committed against a minor under 18, is a felony punishable by up to 7–30 years imprisonment and a fine up to $4,000. The CSEC offense of “prostitution and related offenses,” as well as the offense of “computer pornography prohibited,” are felonies punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment and fines up to $4,000. Creating and distributing CSAM are felonies punishable by 15–30 and 10–20 years imprisonment, respectively, and possible fines up to $4,000. Traffickers convicted of “trafficking in persons” must pay the victim restitution and are subject to asset forfeiture. Though not mandatory, traffickers convicted of other crimes may be required to make restitution. The “computer pornography prohibited” law establishes a separate crime for selling information about a minor to solicit sexual conduct with a child. Traffickers must register as sex offenders if convicted of “trafficking in persons,” “prostitution and related offenses,”
New Jersey
Penalties for trafficking are comparable to federal trafficking penalties (10 years–life), and traffickers are subject to asset forfeiture of any property or vehicle used in, intended to be used, or derived from the commission of an offense. Sex trafficking of a minor is punishable by 20 years–to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $200,000. Promoting “prostitution and related offenses,” a CSEC offense, is punishable by 10–20 years imprisonment and a possible fine of $200,000. “Endangering the welfare of children” by creating CSAM is punishable by 5–10 years imprisonment and a possible fine of up to $150,000. No statute expressly makes using the Internet to recruit a minor for commercial sex acts a crime.
New Mexico
A trafficker faces prosecution under sex trafficking and CSEC laws and could face prosecution under state racketeering and money laundering laws. Sex trafficking is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment and fines based on victim age as follows: third-degree (victim 16–17)—3 years/up to $5000, second degree (victim 13–15)—9 years/up to $10,000, and first degree (victim under 13)—18 years/up to $15,000. A convicted trafficker faces mandatory victim restitution. Traffickers may also be convicted of “sexual exploitation of children by prostitution,” a felony punishable as follows: second degree (victim 13–15)—9 years/up to $10,000, and first degree (victim under 13)—18 years/up to $15,000. Racketeering charges may apply, which allows for asset forfeiture. Creating and distributing CSAM is punishable by imprisonment for 11 years and a fine of $5,000. Sex offender registration is required for many crimes, but not child sex trafficking. Sex trafficking of children and CSEC crimes are not enumerated as violent crimes for which a trafficker’s parental rights can be terminated
New York
Convictions for “sex trafficking of a child,” “compelling prostitution” of one less than 18 by force, fraud, or coercion, or “promoting prostitution in the first degree” are felonies punishable by 1–25 years imprisonment. “Promoting prostitution in the second degree” or “use of a child [under 16] in a sexual performance” are felonies punishable by 1–15 years imprisonment, whereas “promoting prostitution in the third degree” is a felony punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment. All felony sentences may include fines up to $5,000 or “double the amount of the defendant’s gain from the commission of the crime,” whichever is higher, and victim restitution may be ordered. Traffickers may face forfeiture of all proceeds from CSAM. New York’s law that prohibits the dissemination of indecent material to minors (although not specifically commercial) could be used to prosecute the growing number of traffickers utilizing the Internet to commit their crimes. Traffickers must register as sex; however, they are not included as grounds for terminating parental rights.
North Carolina
A violation of NC trafficking offense is punishable by 125-157 months imprisonment. Child sexual abuse materials of minors carry 58-73 months. They are required to be registered as sex offenders and face mandatory restitution and can have parental rights terminated.
North Dakota
trafficking an individual” and “sexual servitude” are Class AA felonies punishable by maximum life imprisonment when the victim is a minor. “Facilitating prostitution” and “use of a minor in a sexual performance,” including creating CSAM, are Class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000. “Luring minors by computer or other electronic means” provides a means of prosecuting traffickers who use the Internet to recruit minors for illegal sex acts, which may include trafficking; registered SO is mandatory and parental rights may be terminated.
Ohio
trafficking in persons” is punishable as a first-degree felony by 10–15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000. “Compelling prostitution” is punishable as a third-degree felony by 9–36 months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. “Promoting prostitution” of a minor is a third-degree felony punishable by 9–36 months imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000, and “procuring” is a fourth-degree felony punishable by 6–18 months imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000.
1 In every 100,000 Traffickers Is Ever Convicted
Oklahoma
Traffickers face prosecution under human trafficking, CSEC, and racketeering laws, with sentences that reflect the seriousness of those offenses. Child sex trafficking is punishable by 15 years–to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, while “engaging in prostitution” is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. “Procuring for prostitution, lewdness or other indecent act” is punishable by 1–10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. “Inducing, keeping, detaining or restraining for prostitution” is punishable by 1–25 years imprisonment and a fine of $5,000–$25,000. Offenses related to commercially distributing CSAM, preparing CSAM, and procuring minors for CSAM are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000. “Facilitating, encouraging, offering or soliciting sexual conduct or engaging in sexual communication” and “lewd or indecent proposals or acts as to child under 16” could reach traffickers who use the Internet to recruit minors for illegal sex acts. When convicted of human trafficking, victim restitution is mandatory. Traffickers convicted of “human trafficking,” “engaging in prostitution,” or creating CSAM are subject to civil asset forfeiture. Traffickers must register as sex offenders if convicted of “human trafficking,” CSEC, and CSAM offenses. Convictions for human trafficking or CSEC offenses do not result in termination of parental rights.
Oregon
Trafficking in persons,” “compelling prostitution,” and “distributing” CSAM are Class B felonies punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000, while “using child in display of sexually explicit conduct” and “trafficking in persons” involving commercial sex are Class A felonies punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $375,000. “Online sexual corruption of a child” may provide a means of prosecuting traffickers who use the Internet to recruit or sell illegal sex acts with a minor
Pennsylvania
When the offense involves a minor victim of sexual servitude, “trafficking in individuals” is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment (or life imprisonment if the offense involved rape or kidnapping) and a $25,000 fine. “Prostitution and related offenses,” including promoting prostitution and “unlawful contact with a minor,” are felonies punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine. Creating CSAM is a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine while disseminating such images is a felony punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine.
Rhode Island
Traffickers face prosecution under state trafficking, CSEC, money laundering, and racketeering laws. “Trafficking an individual” and “sexual servitude” are felonies punishable by imprisonment up to 50 years and a $40,000 fine. The CSEC offense of “exploitation for commercial or immoral purposes” is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. Producing CSAM is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine while permitting a child to be used in CSAM is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. “Indecent solicitation of a child” criminalizes soliciting a minor by any means, including the Internet, to engage in prostitution; a violation is punishable by at least five years imprisonment.
South Carolina
Trafficking in persons” is punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment. “Promoting prostitution of a minor,” “first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor” (which includes using or employing a minor for CSAM), and “engaging child for sexual performance” are punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment. “Criminal solicitation of a minor” is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
South Dakota
First-degree human trafficking” is punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. “second-degree human trafficking” is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine. “Promotion of prostitution” is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Traffickers who manufacture or distribute CSAM face up to 10 years imprisonment and $20,000, penalties comparable to those for similar federal offenses. Under “solicitation of a minor,” selling information online to solicit a minor to engage in a sex act (trafficking) is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a $20,000 fine.
Tennesse
“Trafficking for a commercial sex act” and “promoting prostitution” are felonies punishable by 8–30 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine (or 15–60 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine when the victim is under 15). “Offense of soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor” is punishable by 8–30 years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine. Distributing CSAM or employing, using, or permitting a minor to participate in the production of CSAM are distinct crimes that carry penalties comparable to those for similar federal offenses.
Texas
prostitution,” and “aggravated promotion of prostitution” are punishable by up to life imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. Traffickers with two or more trafficking violations within 30 days may be guilty of “continuous trafficking in persons” (also punishable by up to life imprisonment and a $10,000 fine). A trafficker who employs a child to work in sexually oriented commercial activity or employs a child to appear in a sexual performance is guilty of a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine (or up to 99 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine when the victim is under 14). Traffickers could also be subject to organized crime and criminal street gang laws, leading to additional penalties. Creating CSAM carries penalties comparable to those for similar federal offenses and provides heightened penalties when the victim is under 14. “Online solicitation of a minor” includes using the Internet or electronic communications to solicit a minor to engage in sexual contact with another person. Financial penalties may consist of fines, asset forfeiture, and restitution. Traffickers convicted of “trafficking in persons,” “continuous trafficking in persons,” “compelling prostitution,” “possession or promotion of child pornography,” “sexual performance by a child,” and other CSEC and CSAM offenses are required to register as sex offenders.
Utah
: “Human trafficking of a child, “aggravated human trafficking,” “aggravated exploitation of prostitution,” and “aggravated sexual extortion” are punishable by five years to life imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. Traffickers convicted of “aggravated human smuggling” or “sexual exploitation of a minor” face 1–15 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000, while those convicted of “aggravated sexual abuse of a child” face 15 years to life imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. A separate law prohibits using the Internet or text messages for soliciting a minor to engage in any illegal sexual activity.
Vermont
“Human trafficking” is punishable by up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000, while aggravated human trafficking” is punishable by 20 years to life imprisonment and up to $100,000. “Use of a child in a sexual performance” and “consenting to a sexual performance” are punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of $20,000. Creating and distributing CSAM carry penalties comparable to those for similar federal offenses. State law prohibits luring a child under 16 by any means.
Virgina
“Commercial sex trafficking,” “taking, detaining, etc. person for prostitution,” “receiving money for procuring person,” and “receiving money from earnings of a male or female prostitute” are Class 3 felonies punishable by 5–20 years imprisonment and a fine up to $100,000. “Abduction with intent to extort money or for immoral purposes” is a Class 2 felony punishable by 20 years to life imprisonment, while “taking indecent liberties with children” is punishable by 1–10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $2,500.
Washington
: A trafficker faces prosecution under trafficking and CSEC laws and may be subject to criminal profiteering laws. Trafficking in the second degree and “promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor” are felonies punishable by imprisonment between 93–318 months and a fine up to $50,000; when trafficking includes a sexual motivation, kidnapping, or results in a death, the crime is punishable by 123–397 months imprisonment and a fine up to $50,000. “Promoting travel for commercial sexual abuse” is a felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his neck. Frederick Douglas
Thank you to Shared Hope for providing this information