Panama City Human Trafficking Lawyer

Human trafficking is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face under Florida law. The accusations alone can carry devastating consequences—both legally and socially—before the case even reaches a courtroom. At The Sombathy Law Firm, we understand the gravity of these charges. We are committed to providing a strong, strategic defense for individuals accused of human trafficking in Panama City, Panama City Beach, and throughout Bay County.

If you or someone you care about is facing human trafficking charges, you need experienced legal counsel on your side immediately. The state aggressively prosecutes these cases and can involve both state and federal authorities.

What Is Human Trafficking Under Florida Law?

Under Florida Statute § 787.06, human trafficking is defined as the transportation, solicitation, recruitment, harboring, provision, or obtaining of another person for the purpose of exploitation. This can include:

Sex trafficking (inducing or forcing someone to engage in commercial sexual activity)
Labor trafficking (forcing someone to work or perform services against their will)

Florida law also distinguishes between trafficking adults and minors, with much harsher penalties if the alleged victim is under 18, even if coercion or force wasn’t involved.

Key elements the prosecution must prove include:

That the defendant knowingly engaged in human trafficking activity
The purpose was to exploit the alleged victim for sex or labor
That force, fraud, or coercion was used (except in the case of minors)

Penalties for Human Trafficking in Florida

Human trafficking is classified as a first-degree felony in Florida, which is punishable by:

Up to 30 years (or life in prison) depending on the circumstances
Fines up to $10,000
Mandatory minimum sentences, especially in cases involving minors
Sex offender registration is required if the crime involves sexual exploitation

If the offense involves trafficking a child under 18 for commercial sexual activity, it becomes a life felony, which carries mandatory life imprisonment in some cases.

In addition to state charges, individuals can also face federal human trafficking charges under U.S. law, which carry even harsher penalties.

Collateral Consequences

Even before a conviction, human trafficking accusations can lead to:

Loss of employment or professional licenses
Immigration consequences (for non-citizens)
Permanent damage to your reputation
Loss of custody or parental rights in family court matters

That’s why it’s critical to take immediate action if you’re under investigation or have been arrested.

Defenses Against Human Trafficking Charges

Every human trafficking case is different, but a skilled criminal defense attorney will examine the evidence and identify the best defense strategy for your situation. At the Sombathy Law Firm, we tailor each defense based on the facts of the case and the client’s unique circumstances.

Common defenses include:

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

Human trafficking requires intentional and knowing participation. If you were unaware that a person was being trafficked, or didn’t knowingly participate, you cannot be legally convicted.

False Accusations

Many human trafficking charges arise from misunderstandings, false allegations, or ulterior motives (such as child custody battles or attempts to reduce another person’s sentence). We aggressively investigate these claims.

No Force, Fraud, or Coercion

If the prosecution cannot prove that force, fraud, or coercion was used, particularly in adult trafficking cases, the charge may not hold.

Entrapment

In some cases, law enforcement may use undercover operations or sting tactics. If it can be shown that you were coerced or induced into committing the crime by police, an entrapment defense may apply.

Lack of Evidence

Human trafficking charges often rely on complex, circumstantial, or testimonial evidence. Our team challenges the credibility of witnesses, exposes weak links in the prosecution’s case, and ensures your constitutional rights are protected at every stage.

Why Choose The Sombathy Law Firm?

Human trafficking charges require a defense attorney who understands how to navigate high-stakes cases involving multiple agencies, sensitive evidence, and emotionally charged testimony. At The Sombathy Law Firm, we bring decades of criminal defense experience to the table, with a focus on protecting the rights and reputations of clients in Panama City and the surrounding areas.

We don’t just handle your case—we fight for your future.

Speak with a Panama City Human Trafficking Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been accused of human trafficking, time is not on your side. You need a legal team that can respond quickly, investigate thoroughly, and build a strong defense. The Sombathy Law Firm is here to help you through this difficult time with discretion, integrity, and tenacity.