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Human Trafficking Defense Lawyers in Maine
Human trafficking is a serious problem in the state of Maine and throughout the United States. As a criminal defense attorney, it is important to understand the legal implications and potential defenses for individuals charged with this crime.
How is human trafficking defined in Maine?
Human trafficking, also known as modern-day slavery, is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat, use of force, or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation includes, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor, or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.
Read More → Statute of limitations for Sexual Assault in Maine
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What are the penalties for sex trafficking and aggravated sex trafficking in Maine?
In Maine, sex trafficking is generally a Class D crime, punishable by up to 364 days in jail. If someone promotes prostitution, that person is guilty of sex trafficking. However, there is a significantly more serious charge in Maine called Aggravated Sex Trafficking, which is a Class B crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Maine law criminalizes promoting prostitution and knowingly benefiting from the prostitution of others, both of which can be charged in connection with human trafficking cases. So, what makes it an aggravated charge? The following elements make elevate the non-aggravated to a Class B felony: promoting prostitution by compelling someone to enter into, engage in, or remain in prostitution. Promoting prostitution of someone 15 – 17 years of age. Promoting prostitution of someone with a mental disability.
How can a criminal lawyer defend against a human or sex trafficking charge?
As a criminal defense attorney, it is important to thoroughly investigate the facts of the case and explore all potential defenses for the accused. One defense that may be available is that the individual was a victim of human trafficking themselves and were forced or coerced into committing the alleged crime. Additionally, in cases where the individual did not have knowledge of the trafficking, they may be able to argue that they were not aware that they were participating in illegal activity.
Another defense that may be available is entrapment. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime that they would not have committed otherwise. This can be difficult to prove, but if successful, can result in charges being dropped or reduced.
It is also crucial for a criminal defense attorney to be aware of the potential immigration consequences for non-citizen clients charged with human trafficking. Non-citizens who are convicted of human trafficking offenses are subject to deportation and may be barred from returning to the United States. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal that avoids the immigration consequences.
Is sex trafficking the same as human trafficking in Maine?
In Maine, human trafficking and sex trafficking are considered the same crime when it involves people exploited for the purpose of prostitution. Both are defined as the promotion, recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat, use of force, or other forms of coercion, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation includes, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor, or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. So, in Maine, sex trafficking is considered as a form of human trafficking.
Is promoting prostitution the same as human trafficking in Maine?
In Maine, promoting prostitution and sex trafficking are the same crimes. Promoting prostitution is defined as knowingly causing another to engage in prostitution, profiting from, promoting, or advancing prostitution, transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution, or owning, controlling, managing, supervising, or otherwise keeping, alone or in association with another, a house of prostitution or a prostitution business. While Maine has tough laws as they apply to sex trafficking, human trafficking is generally prosecuted at the federal level.
Sex trafficking and labor trafficking in Maine
Human trafficking is a serious issue that comes in two primary forms: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Sex trafficking involves forcing individuals into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, while labor trafficking involves compelling individuals to work against their will, often without pay or for inadequate wages.
In Maine, our state statutes provide clear definitions of sex trafficking. However, it’s important to note that even regular sex trafficking, as opposed to aggravated sex trafficking, can encompass a wide range of situations that many people may not consider as human trafficking. For example, under Maine law, a person can be convicted of sex trafficking (a Class D misdemeanor) for any act that constitutes promoting prostitution. This includes activities such as:
- arranging for someone to engage in prostitution,
- soliciting customers for prostitution,
- procuring prostitutes,
- leasing a location for prostitution,
- controlling a prostitution location,
- transporting someone for prostitution purposes, or recruiting individuals to become or act as prostitutes.
Notably, this charge does not require any form of compulsion or force, simply being involved in promoting prostitution is enough to warrant prosecution.
Aggravated Sex Trafficking
aggravated sex trafficking involves instances where the victims are forced into sexual activity. The key difference between aggravated and simple sex trafficking is whether the victims are willing participants who are paid for their involvement or if they are forced into the act. Additionally, Aggravated sex trafficking, which is considered a Class B Felony, may be charged when a victim is under the age of 18.
Coercion can take many forms. Providing illegal drugs to victims to entice them into prostitution is considered as aggravated sex trafficking, as is withholding drugs from victims who are addicts. Similarly, false promises of payment, withholding payment, or creating inflated debt for providing victims with a location to perform their illegal services can also lead to a charge of aggravated sex trafficking. Other forms of coercive conduct that may support a charge of aggravated sex trafficking include actual or threatened violence or physical restraint, or threatening to report the victims to the police or immigration authorities, particularly in the case of victims who are in the country illegally.
Contact a Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer Today
human trafficking is a serious problem in Maine and throughout the United States. As a criminal defense attorney, it is important to understand the legal implications of the crime and explore all potential defenses for the accused. This includes investigating the facts of the case, exploring the possibility that the accused was a victim of trafficking themselves, arguing that the accused was not aware they were participating in illegal activity, and being aware of the potential immigration consequences for non-citizen clients.
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I’ve gotten to know William through numerous legal conferences and have been incredibly impressed with how serious he cares about his clients and how he is a true human who wants to take care of your future. I will always refer my clients to his firm whenever I can.
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This is THE premier criminal defense firm in Maine! If any family member or friend of mine needed representation in Maine, I would have them call the Maine Criminal Defense Group! Lawyer Bill Bly and his associates are awesome. Plus Bill Bly trained at Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College. That…
David W.
Changed My Opinion on Lawyers I called Bill and had a consultation. He listened intently to my case and laid out our pathway. He was straight forward, real and didn't toss me a bunch of crap. I fully expected him to fluff up the case and try to convince me…
Robert H.
THANK YOU FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK DONE ON MY CLIENT'S BEHALF Thank you very much for the excellent work performed on behalf of my client on her Maine criminal case. I appreciate the attentive service, the quality of the work and the reasonableness of your fees. As you know, part…
Ryan M.
THANK YOU ATTORNEY BLY! I WOULD TRUST ATTY BLY W/ MY LIFE ... IN FACT, I DID! There is very little in this world that scares me more than the jail cell bars being locked and knowing that I am trapped behind bars in prison. However, after a "Hit &…
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5 STARS FOR BILL BLY AND STAFF While on vacation in Maine, I was arrested for OUI. Prior to this happening to me, I had never been in trouble with the law before and was completely overwhelmed and embarrassed by the situation. Coming from a world away in California, I…
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PITBULL If you are looking for the best DUI lawyer around its Bill Bly!! A++ service and he turned a .20 DUI into vanishing air. Thanks again Bill!! You are the man!! Thanks for fighting for my rights!!
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HIRE BILL BLY! YOU WON'T REGRET IT. My experience working with Mr. Bly has been a great experience. Never having to wait for an answer is HUGE when dealing with difficult situations. Gets back within the day if not within the hour. I would highly recommend this law firm. Give…
Brenda A.
RECOMMEND YOU TO ANYONE I want to thank you for all your help. I was in a bad place when I first came to you. You really helped me through a terrible time. I would definitely recommend you to anyone that needs help. I just wanted to say thank you…
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WON'T HESITATE TO REFER YOU Thank you for everything you did for my son. He and I both appreciate the hard work that you put into this case. He has been able to turn his life around now this is behind him. I know that you are paid to do…
David M.
ABOVE AND BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS I want to thank you for everything you have done for my family. You have gone above & beyond our expectations and you are to be commended for such a solid, compelling case. You are a great attorney and an even greater person. We have…
Robert N.
CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH Thank you for all your help with my OUI. When we first met I was resigned to the “fact” that I was going to be convicted of an OUI and would lose my military career over it. I must say that I was quite surprised, shocked…
Manuel G.
WILLINGNESS TO ASSIST IN A TIME OF NEED Thank you for all your help concerning my case. As a veteran returning from overseas service, your willingness to assist me in a time of need and when I wasn’t in a position to pay for an attorney is greatly appreciated. You…
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IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW? If you ever find yourself caught up in the legal system. The Maine Criminal Defense Group and his staff are the ones you want to have on your side. This man will fight hard for your rights and do everything he can to make your…
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I RECOMMEND WILLIAM BLY We're glad we chose Bill for our legal needs. We found Bill to be knowledgeable, clear, and diligent. He actively managed my case and the overall outcome was the best that we could have hoped for. We would recommend Bill to others in a similar situation…
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PHENOMENAL LAWYER The Maine Criminal Defense Group is hard working, knowledgeable, and determined when working on cases. He was pleasant and helpful throughout the entire process by answering any and all questions I may have had. His diligent work on my case, personal connections in the court systems, and professionalism…
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VERY HELPFUL - THANKS BILL! Bill Bly did a magnificent job collecting evidence and building leverage with the DA's office that allowed us to plead an OUI down to a lesser charge. Not only was he very knowledgeable about Maine law, but he also understood the personalities of both the…
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PHD DOCTORAL CANDIDATE, WADE CHARNOCK Mr. Bly is a superb lawyer! He is without a doubt one of the finest criminal defense lawyers in the state of Maine. He handled my son's case with sincerity and professionalism, and the results, "All Charges Dismissed!" If you need a defense attorney, he…
Vicky L.
HIRE MR. BLY. YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I retained Mr. Bly over a year ago. I was charged with OUI and having a minor in the car. Mr. Bly was able to arrange a plea to a Driving to Endanger with no jail time and only a 30 day license…
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I VERY MUCH RECOMMEND MR. BLY I was lucky to have contacted Mr. Bly in a matter that unfairly could have changed my life. He was very open, concerned, and committed to helping me. He answered every call promptly, never lost interest in my case, and went out of his…
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BOTTOM LINE RESULTS As an attorney it was clear to me that achieving a favorable disposition of an OUI charge with a difficult fact pattern would require specialized representation. Bill quickly proved this instinct correct and his nuanced and detailed understanding of and experience with the intricacies of the arrest…
John S.
MR OUT OF STATE OUI I went to Maine on a weekend vacation trip and got a little reckless. I ended up driving the wrong way on a one way street and received an oui. Now I was up against loosing my cdl, my job, and my new home I…
Thomas F.
OUI DISMISSED Feeling helpless? Bill is the person you need to contact. Never being on the other side of the law, I contacted Bill in a panic. He sensed this and actually agreed to meet me on a Saturday. Bill was extremely personable and gave me the facts that appeared…
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Definitely Recommend My fiancé and I were visiting Kennebunk over the summer when I was stopped and arrested for OUI. I couldn't believe that this was happening. Once I got over the shock and humiliation of the arrest, my fiancé and I began searching for an attorney in southern Maine.…
Frank S.
HAPPY CLIENT I met with Bill back in June of this year for an OUI charge. When I met with Bill, he sat down with me and explained the entire court process and what to expect going forward. He didn't try and "sell me" on hiring him or make promises…
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RECOMMENDATION Bill Bly is very professional, does his homework and he is very thorough. And his staff is the same. He and his staff returned all my phone calls and kept us abreast of the progress in our case. I highly recommend him.
Max C.
THANK YOU MR. BLY Mr. Bly assisted me with a case where I was charged with assaulting my girlfriend and my brother as well as some other people. After reading the police reports, I felt that the case was hopeless. Mr. Bly negotiated and outcome that prevented me from a…
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THANKS FOR YOUR EXCELLENT WORK Attorney Bly defended me on charges of theft and secured a not guilty after trial. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Trent Q.
LEGAL NIGHTMARE SOLVED THANKS TO BILL BLY I was in a legal nightmare, after being arrested for an Operating Under the Influence, OUI in the great State of Maine. I was previously classified as a habitual offender in another state, so this was not my first charge concerning this particular…
Fredrick D.
VERY DEDICATED ATTORNEY Bill was very dedicated to my issue and worked with me to get me the best possible outcome. Bill and his law office kept me well informed on developments on the situation and was very upfront with me, gaining my trust and confidence in his skills helping…
John Y.
JOB WELL DONE First and for most I'd like to thank you very much for sorting out the snowmobile OUI bs for me. The outcome could not have been more desirable and the process with you couldn't have been better. On a professional note I give an A+ and will…
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Thank you for a job well done Attorney Bly handled a sensitive domestic violence charge for me in a VERY favorable fashion. Ultimately, he got the charges thrown out. I'm grateful to him and his staff for all their hard work. Ann is especially helpful and was always available to…
Ned B.
Bly- A True Professional Committed to Client Satisfaction Two years ago I was involved in a high publicity case that involved significant legal implications. This uncharacteristic life event left me overwhelmed by emotional distress and not knowing where to turn next. Through thorough research and high esteem recommendations, I contacted…
Melissa G.
WILLIAM BLY WON'T LET YOU DOWN! I will with out hesitation recommend Bill to anyone !!! He fought diligently for a year to ensure me the best results possible and to avoid trial. In the end Bill saved me my career and kept me out of jail. There is really…
Nick G.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR EFFORTS! My OUI and criminal speeding charges brought a great deal of stress and hardship to not only myself but my entire family. Having both of the charges against me dismissed was an absolute godsend. Once dropped, it felt as though a dark cloud…
Lisa F.
PROFESSIONAL, HONEST, AND QUICK TO REPLY Working with Attorney Bly was a pleasure - given the circumstances. He acknowledged my novelty to the courtroom and was sensitive to my case by guiding me through the process, step by step. Especially when I seemed overwhelmed and confused, anxious and uneasy, Bill…
Betty C.
SUPPORTIVE AND RESOURCEFUL It was an absolute pleasure to work with The Maine Criminal Defense Group. At the eleventh hour, I contacted him for help with a legal matter. What I originally thought would be a quick and easy case, turned into a more challenging matter. Nonetheless, given his knowledge…
Rosalinda E.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ATTORNEY WILLIAM BLY I am delighted to write this recommendation for Attorney William Bly. Before hiring The Maine Criminal Defense Group to represent me I had worked with another lawyer which resulted in a warrant out for my arrest. Being out of state I had to thoroughly research…
Jason S.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND I found myself searching the internet hoping to find an attorney who I could trust and wouldn't just tell me what I wanted to hear. I was visiting from out of state when I was charged with an OUI as well as a refusal. I contacted Mr. Bly…
Erica L.
THANKS FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MY SON'S LIFE Bill, Thank you very much for getting back to me. My son and I want to thank you very much for the finalizing of this hard lesson learned in life's journey. I knew from the beginning that not only are you…
Theresa S.
SINCEREST GRATITUDE Mrs. Ann, I want to say thank you again to yourself and Bill again for OUTSTANDING work!! Please pass my regards to Bill. With sincere gratitude.
James C.
JC Recommends The Maine Criminal Defense Group I am very pleased with the representation I received from The Maine Criminal Defense Group. After having been charged with a very serious crime, his thoughtful and prudent strategy and diligent execution resulted in a better than expected outcome. The original charge was…
Amy O.
TIRELESS AND KNOWLEDGEABLE Bill Bly saved my career in the Navy. He worked on my case for almost six months before he was able to negotiate a positive outcome. His persistence and efforts with the DA were the only things that kept my case from going to trial. He was…
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Without a doubt, choose Mr. Bly! When I was charged with an OUI, I felt that everything that I worked for went down the drain. I knew the consequences of an OUI, and it weighed heavy on my conscious. An OUI for a Naval Officer is a career killer. Having…
Warren H.
Given Me the Gift of Time Thank you for everything. You've given me the gift of time and I can't thank you enough for that.
Bryan D.
Dismissal of Driving on Suspended - Please read if you are unsure if W. Bly is the right attorney! After looking at reviews online and a brief conversation with Mr. Bly, I decided to retain him. I was charged with Driving on an out of State VA Drivers license. On…
Rick M.
Saved my career and preserved my future! Bill, thank you so much for your excellent legal representation these last few months. You gave me straight and concise answers throughout the entire process and I can't thank you enough for helping me keep my career in the U.S. Navy. Ann Dickey…
Dawn S.
DCS Recommends The Maine Criminal Defense Group Two years ago our family began living a nightmare that we could never have imagined possible. Our 18-year-old son was arrested for a serious offense he committed with a "friend." Our family was in a tailspin and we did not know where to…
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