Sex Trafficking in Minnesota

Within the past several years, Minnesota has adopted legislature that defines sex trafficking as a separate crime than prostitution. Minnesota passed its anti-trafficking statute in 2005 and amended it in 2009.

Sex trafficking has two definitions according to Minnesota law:

1. Receiving, recruiting, enticing, harboring, providing, or obtaining by any means an individual to aid in the prostitution of an individual
2. Receiving profit or anything of value and knowing or having reason to know it is derived from sex trafficking

The phrase “by any means” indicates that a person may not legally consent to sex trafficking. Consent and mistakes of age are not legitimate defenses in sex trafficking cases.

Minnesota Sex Trafficking Attorneys

Minnesota sex trafficking crimes are punishable by a maximum of 15 years for an adult victim, 20 years and/or up to a $50,000 fine if the victim is under 18 years of age, and 25 years and up to a $60,000 fine when any of the following aggravating factors are involved:

• The offender has a prior human trafficking offense
• The sex trafficking victim suffered bodily harm during the commission of the offense
• The sex trafficking victim was held in debt, bondage, or forced labor for more than 180 days
• The offense involved more than one sex trafficking victim

These are heavy sanctions. Speaking with a seasoned Minnesota prostitution attorney is the greatest possible defense when charged with a sex trafficking crime. You have the constitutional right to speak with a defense lawyer. Use it.