Philadelphia Federal Sex Crime Charges: Trafficking, Exploitation, Pornography

Philadelphia Federal Sex Crime Charges: Trafficking, Exploitation, Pornography

Federal sex crime charges are always serious. They can carry long prison sentences and steep fines. Unlike state charges, federal crimes apply uniformily across the country. So it’s important to understand these laws.

Human Trafficking

One major federal sex crime is human trafficking. This refers to transporting, recruiting, or harboring people to perform commercial sex acts. It often involves force, fraud, or coercion. But it doesn’t require transportation across state lines. Human trafficking is illegal under federal law through the TVPA Act of 2000.

Penalties for trafficking adults are up to 20 years in prison. Trafficking children under 14 carries a 10 year mandatory minimum. The penalties can go as high as life in prison if force, kidnapping, or aggravated sexual abuse are involved.

These charges are hard to fight. The law has a very broad definition of coercion. Pretty much any threat or form of pressure can qualify. And it’s strict liability for trafficking children under 18. That means knowledge of age isn’t required.

Possible defenses include duress, consent, or attacking the credibility of witnesses. But trafficking has a lower consent standard than other sex crimes. Basically just knowing participation is enough. So fighting the charges head-on is tough.

Child Pornography

Another major area is child pornography. This refers to sexually explicit visual depictions of minors under 18. It’s illegal federally through 18 USC 2252. Charges apply for producing, distributing, receiving, or even just possessing such content.

Penalties range from 5-20 years per offense. They can go as high as 40 years for major distributors or repeat offenders. Fines up to $250k are also possible.

Defending these charges means attacking the evidence. If the photos or videos don’t clearly show a minor, then there’s reasonable doubt. It’s also possible to argue you never actually possessed the content. But these are still uphill battles.

Obscenity

Obscenity charges target pornography without artistic merit that violates community standards. They stem from 18 USC 1460 and related laws. Obscenity has a complex legal definition based on Supreme Court rulings.

Penalties are up to 5 years per count. Fines can reach $250k plus asset forfeiture. And each video, image, website, etc counts separately. So totals can stack up fast.

Defending obscenity charges requires attacking the graphic content itself. If comparable material is readily available, then community standards aren’t violated. This is easier today with the internet. But risks remain because standards vary across districts.

Prostitution & Sex Trafficking

Prostitution and sex trafficking also lead to federal charges in some cases. The Mann Act bans transporting people across state lines for prostitution or “immoral purposes.” And the Travel Act bans using mail, internet, etc to operate illegal businesses like prostitution rings.

Penalties under these laws range from 0-10 years per count. Fines up to $250k are possible too. There are also civil forfeiture provisions for seizing assets.

Defending Mann Act and Travel Act charges requires attacking the interstate nexus. If the sexual acts occured strictly within one state, federal law may not apply. Venue and jurisdiction challenges are also possible defenses.

Implications & Consequences

The implications of federal sex crime convictions are severe. All these charges require registering as a sex offender. This brings residency restrictions, community notification, GPS monitoring, and more.

Repeat offenses or charges with multiple counts quickly add up to decades behind bars. Even first-time convictions often carry 5+ year sentences. And very long supervised release periods usually follow prison time.

The financial impact is massive too. Legal fees, fines, and restitution can easily exceed $100k. And asset forfeiture means losing property like houses or cars.

Sex crime charges also carry social stigma that’s hard to escape. Jobs, housing, relationships, and reputation all suffer permanent damage.

Getting Legal Help

Fighting federal sex crime charges requires an experienced attorney. These are complex cases with devastating outcomes if convicted. So mounting an aggressive defense is critical.

A knowledgeable lawyer understands federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimums. They can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. And they have relationships with judges and prosecutors that facilitate better plea deals.

Don’t take chances with underqualified counsel. Get an expert federal sex crimes defense lawyer right away if you face charges.

Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
18 USC 2252 Child Pornography Law
18 USC 1460 Obscenity Law
Obscenity Legal Definition
Mann Act