When you or someone you care about is accused of a crime as serious as sex trafficking, it feels like the world is closing in. In Plano and across Collin County, law enforcement takes these allegations with the utmost gravity.
I know that behind every case file is a person with a story, a family, and a future at stake. My name is Doug Wilder, and I treat my clients like family. I have seen how the system can move quickly to judge, but I also know that being accused is not the same as being guilty.
If you are wondering about the legal fallout and what the penalties are for sex trafficking in Texas & how you can defend against such charges, you need clear answers. The consequences are life-altering, but there are ways to stand up for yourself and fight back. You do not have to walk this path alone.
Understanding the Legal Definitions Under Texas Law.
Texas law defines human trafficking in Texas Penal Code Chapter 20A. Sex trafficking involves explicitly trafficking another person with the intent that they engage in forced labor or sexual conduct.
Under the law, trafficking does not require moving someone across a border. It can happen within a single neighborhood in Plano. The state focuses on the venture, the business, or the act of profiting from the exploitation of another person. If the state believes you received a benefit from participating in such a venture, it can bring these heavy charges against you.
One of the most critical distinctions in Texas law is the age of the alleged victim. If the individual is an adult, the prosecution generally must prove that force, fraud, or coercion was used. But if the person is under 18, the state does not have to prove you used force or threats. Simply causing a child to engage in sexual conduct is enough to meet the definition of trafficking under Section 20A.02(a)(7).
The Severe Penalties for a Conviction.
In Texas, sex trafficking is almost always classified as a high-level felony. The specific punishment depends on the circumstances of the case, such as the victim’s age and whether a weapon was involved.
Second-Degree Felony Penalties.
If the case involves an adult and does not meet certain aggravating factors, it is typically a second-degree felony. Under Texas Penal Code Section 12.33, a conviction can lead to:
- 2 to 20 years in a Texas prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
First-Degree Felony Penalties.
Most sex trafficking cases are elevated to a first-degree felony. This happens automatically if the victim is a child or if the offense results in serious bodily injury or death. Under Texas Penal Code Section 12.32, the stakes include:
- 5 to 99 years or life in prison
- A fine of up to $10,000
Continuous Trafficking of Persons.
Texas also has a specific law for Continuous Trafficking of Persons under Section 20A.03. This charge applies if someone is accused of engaging in trafficking two or more times over a period of 30 days or more. This is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.
Beyond Prison: Collateral Consequences.
The punishment does not end when a person leaves prison. A conviction for sex trafficking in Texas often carries a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender. This means your name, photo, and address will be on a public database. It can restrict where you live, where you work, and how you interact with your community in Plano.
Furthermore, the state can seek the forfeiture of assets. If the government believes your property, vehicles, or bank accounts were used in or gained from the alleged activity, they can move to seize those items under Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
How Can You Defend Against Sex Trafficking Charges?
Facing these charges is terrifying, but I want you to know that a charge is not a conviction. As a former prosecutor, I spent years learning how the state builds these cases. Now, I use that knowledge to find the cracks in their evidence. Every case is unique, but several powerful defense strategies exist.
Lack of Intent or Knowledge.
To convict you, the state must prove you knowingly participated. If you were unaware that a situation involved trafficking or if you had no intent to exploit anyone, this can be a vital part of your defense. Proving what someone knew is difficult for prosecutors, and I am here to make sure your side of the story is heard.
Absence of Force, Fraud, or Coercion.
In cases involving adults, the state must prove you used force, fraud, or coercion. If the interactions were consensual or if the state cannot provide evidence of threats or deception, the charges may not hold up. I examine the coercion claims to determine whether they meet the legal definitions outlined in Section 1.07 of the Penal Code.
Constitutional Violations and Illegal Evidence.
Sometimes, law enforcement, in their rush to make an arrest, oversteps their bounds. If the police searched for your home or phone without a proper warrant, or if they failed to respect your right to remain silent, that evidence might be thrown out. I meticulously review every detail of the investigation to see if your rights were violated.
Entrapment.
In some instances, undercover sting operations go too far. If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime that you otherwise would not have committed, we may be able to argue entrapment. This is a complex defense, but it can be effective when police tactics are overly aggressive.
The Local Court System in Collin County.
If you are arrested in Plano, your case will likely be handled at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. Felony cases are heard in District Courts, where the prosecutors are often specialized in human trafficking units.
I know these courtrooms. I see how the local judges operate and how the Collin County District Attorney’s office approaches these sensitive cases. This local familiarity allows me to guide you through the process with a personal touch, ensuring you know what to expect at every hearing.
Why Your Choice of Defense Matters.
When you come to the Wilder Law Firm, you aren’t just another case number on a spreadsheet. I started this firm because I wanted to help people, genuine, hard-working people who are facing the worst moments of their lives. I see myself as a protector. Much like a father looking out for his children, I am here to fix problems and provide a shield against a system that can often feel cold and indifferent.
I am driven by results. For me, a win isn’t just a legal term; it’s about getting your life back. If I don’t get the results you need, then I haven’t succeeded. I take responsibility for that personally. My team and I are charismatic and approachable, but when we step into that courtroom, we fight for you with everything we have.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future.
The clock is ticking from the moment an investigation begins. Whether you have already been arrested or believe you are being watched, now is the time to act. You deserve a defense that is as committed to your case as you are to your family.
I offer free consultations to discuss the specifics of your situation. We will sit down, talk about the facts, and start building a plan to protect your freedom. Call the Wilder Law Firm today at 214-949-4687. Let’s work together to fix this.
