Duluth | Prostitution & Sex Trafficking Attorney

Fighting a Prostitution or Sex Trafficking Accusation in Duluth with a Dedicated Defense Attorney

The moment you’re accused of prostitution or sex trafficking, it feels like the world stops. The phone rings, a knock comes at the door, and suddenly, you’re thrust into a nightmare you never saw coming. In a close-knit community like Duluth, or the surrounding areas of St. Louis County, Two Harbors, or Proctor, an accusation like this isn’t just a legal problem; it’s a social earthquake. Your reputation, painstakingly built over years, can feel like it’s crumbling in an instant. The whispers, the stares, the judgment – they can feel as real and crushing as any legal penalty. This isn’t just about facing charges; it’s about confronting a deeply personal crisis that threatens your standing in the community, your relationships, and your very identity.

The fear is immediate and overwhelming. You envision the headlines, the damage to your career, the shame your family might endure. Perhaps you’re worried about losing your job, especially if it requires a clean background check or a professional license. The thought of what this could do to your children, your spouse, or your aging parents is agonizing. In a town like Cloquet or Bemidji, where everyone seems to know everyone, such an accusation can feel like a brand, isolating you from the very people you rely on. This isn’t merely a legal proceeding; it’s a battle for your future, your freedom, and your ability to live a normal life. You need a fierce advocate who understands the gravity of what you’re facing and is ready to fight relentlessly on your behalf.

The Stakes: What a Conviction Truly Costs

Your Permanent Criminal Record

A conviction for prostitution or sex trafficking leaves an indelible mark on your life. This isn’t just a temporary setback; it’s a permanent criminal record that follows you everywhere. Every background check for a job, every application for housing, every attempt to secure a loan will bring this conviction to light. It becomes a label that overshadows your achievements, your character, and your potential. In the eyes of many, you’ll be defined by this one devastating event, regardless of the truth or the circumstances. This permanent stain can make it incredibly difficult to move forward, to rebuild your life, and to regain the trust and respect of your community in Duluth or anywhere else you might go. The fight against this record begins the moment you’re accused.

Loss of Second Amendment Rights

Beyond the immediate legal penalties, a conviction for certain offenses, particularly felonies related to sex trafficking, can strip you of fundamental constitutional rights, including your Second Amendment right to bear arms. For many in Northern Minnesota, from the hunters in Two Harbors to the outdoors enthusiasts in St. Louis County, this right is deeply ingrained in their way of life. The loss of this right is not just a theoretical consequence; it’s a practical limitation that can affect your ability to hunt, to protect yourself and your family, and to participate in activities that are central to your identity. This is a profound and lasting impact that extends far beyond the courtroom, altering how you live your life and interact with your environment.

Barriers to Employment and Housing

The collateral damage of a prostitution or sex trafficking conviction extends directly to your ability to earn a living and find a place to live. Employers are often hesitant, or even legally prohibited, from hiring individuals with such convictions, especially in roles requiring trust or interaction with the public. Finding suitable housing can become an insurmountable challenge, as landlords frequently conduct background checks and may deny applications based on a criminal record. This can lead to a downward spiral, making it incredibly difficult to regain financial stability and secure a safe, stable environment for yourself and your family in communities like Proctor or Cloquet. The fight for your freedom is also a fight for your future livelihood and shelter.

Impact on Professional Licenses and Reputation

If you hold a professional license – whether as a teacher, a healthcare worker, an accountant, or any other licensed profession – a conviction for prostitution or sex trafficking can lead to immediate suspension or permanent revocation. Your career, which you’ve likely invested years of education and hard work into, could be instantly derailed. Furthermore, the reputational damage is immense. In smaller communities like Bemidji or those throughout St. Louis County, word travels fast. Your standing in the community, your relationships with friends and neighbors, and your overall credibility can be irrevocably damaged. This isn’t just about legal penalties; it’s about the destruction of your professional life and your personal standing.

The Accusation: Understanding the State’s Case

What Does the State Allege? Prostitution and Sex Trafficking Explained in Plain English

When the state accuses you of prostitution or sex trafficking, they are essentially alleging that you were involved in the exchange of sexual acts for money or something of value, or that you were involved in compelling or facilitating such acts. It’s crucial to understand that these aren’t merely abstract legal terms; they describe activities the state views as a serious crime, violating public order and often involving exploitation. The accusation itself carries a heavy stigma, irrespective of the facts, and it’s this immediate, visceral reaction that makes these cases so challenging to navigate.

At its core, “prostitution” refers to the act of hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire another individual for sexual penetration or sexual contact, or being the individual who is hired, offers to be hired, or agrees to be hired. “Sex trafficking,” on the other hand, is a more severe accusation, involving the recruitment, enticing, harboring, providing, or obtaining of an individual to aid in prostitution, or profiting from such activities. The state views sex trafficking as a grave offense, often involving coercion or exploitation, and the penalties reflect this heightened concern.

The Law on the Books: Minnesota Statute 609.321

Minnesota Statute 609.321 serves as the foundational text for understanding the various offenses related to prostitution and sex trafficking in the state. Its purpose is to define the key terms and concepts that prosecutors will rely on when building their case against you. Understanding these definitions is the first step in understanding the state’s legal framework and identifying potential weaknesses in their arguments.

Subdivision 1.Scope.	For the purposes of sections 609.321 to 609.325, the following terms have the meanings given.
Subd. 2.Business of prostitution.	"Business of prostitution" means any arrangement between or organization of two or more persons, acting other than as prostitutes or patrons, who commit acts punishable under sections 609.321 to 609.324.
Subd. 3.	[Repealed, 1998 c 367 art 2 s 33]
Subd. 4.Patron.	"Patron" means an individual who engages in prostitution by hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire another individual to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact.
Subd. 5.Place of prostitution.	"Place of prostitution" means a house or other place where prostitution is practiced.
Subd. 6.	[Repealed, 1998 c 367 art 2 s 33]
Subd. 7.Promotes the prostitution of an individual.	"Promotes the prostitution of an individual" means any of the following wherein the person knowingly:
	(1) solicits or procures patrons for a prostitute;
	(2) provides, leases or otherwise permits premises or facilities owned or controlled by the person to aid the prostitution of an individual;
	(3) owns, manages, supervises, controls, keeps or operates, either alone or with others, a place of prostitution to aid the prostitution of an individual;
	(4) owns, manages, supervises, controls, operates, institutes, aids or facilitates, either alone or with others, a business of prostitution to aid the prostitution of an individual;
	(5) admits a patron to a place of prostitution to aid the prostitution of an individual; or
	(6) transports an individual from one point within this state to another point either within or without this state, or brings an individual into this state to aid the prostitution of the individual.
Subd. 7a.Sex trafficking.	"Sex trafficking" means:
	(1) receiving, recruiting, enticing, harboring, providing, or obtaining by any means an individual to aid in the prostitution of the individual; or
	(2) receiving profit or anything of value, knowing or having reason to know it is derived from an act described in clause (1).
Subd. 7b.Sex trafficking victim.	"Sex trafficking victim" means a person subjected to the practices in subdivision 7a.
Subd. 8.Prostitute.	"Prostitute" means an individual who engages in prostitution by being hired, offering to be hired, or agreeing to be hired by another individual to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact.
Subd. 9.Prostitution.	"Prostitution" means hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire another individual to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact, or being hired, offering to be hired, or agreeing to be hired by another individual to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact.
Subd. 10.Sexual contact.	"Sexual contact" means any of the following acts, if the acts can reasonably be construed as being for the purpose of satisfying the actor's sexual impulses:
	(i) the intentional touching by an individual of a prostitute's intimate parts; or
	(ii) the intentional touching by a prostitute of another individual's intimate parts.
Subd. 11.Sexual penetration.	"Sexual penetration" means any of the following acts, if for the purpose of satisfying sexual impulses: sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anal intercourse, or any intrusion however slight into the genital or anal openings of an individual's body by any part of another individual's body or any object used for the purpose of satisfying sexual impulses. Emission of semen is not necessary.
Subd. 12.Public place.	A "public place" means a public street or sidewalk, a pedestrian skyway system as defined in section 469.125, subdivision 4, a hotel, motel, steam room, sauna, massage parlor, shopping mall and other public shopping areas, or other place of public accommodation, a place licensed to sell intoxicating liquor, wine, nonintoxicating malt beverages, or food, or a motor vehicle located on a public street, alley, or parking lot ordinarily used by or available to the public though not used as a matter of right and a driveway connecting such a parking lot with a street or highway.
Subd. 13.Place of public accommodation.	"Place of public accommodation" means a business, accommodation, refreshment, entertainment, recreation, or transportation facility of any kind, whether licensed or not, whose goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations are extended, offered, sold, or otherwise made available to the public.
Subd. 14.Prior qualified human trafficking-related offense.	A "prior qualified human trafficking-related offense" means a conviction or delinquency adjudication within the ten years from the discharge from probation or parole immediately preceding the current offense for a violation of or an attempt to violate section 609.322, subdivision 1 (solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution; sex trafficking in the first degree); 609.322, subdivision 1a (solicitation, inducement, and promotion of prostitution; sex trafficking in the second degree); 609.282 (labor trafficking); or 609.283 (unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of labor or sex trafficking).
Subd. 15.Debt bondage.	"Debt bondage" has the meaning given in section 609.281, subdivision 3.
Subd. 16.Forced or coerced labor or services.	"Forced or coerced labor or services" has the meaning given in section 609.281, subdivision 4.
Subd. 17.Labor trafficking victim.	"Labor trafficking victim" has the meaning given in section 609.281, subdivision 6.

The Prosecution’s Burden: Elements of Prostitution or Sex Trafficking

The state’s job is not simply to accuse you; it’s to prove every single element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If they fail to prove even one element, their entire case collapses. This is the cornerstone of our justice system, and it’s precisely where a dedicated defense attorney focuses their efforts. Each element is a hurdle the prosecution must clear, and each one represents an opportunity for your defense to challenge their narrative and dismantle their case. Understanding these elements is critical, as it reveals the precise points where the prosecution is vulnerable.

Intentionality: The prosecution must prove you acted with a specific intent. For prostitution, this typically involves proving that you intended to engage in sexual contact or penetration for hire, or to hire someone for that purpose. For sex trafficking, they must prove you knowingly participated in receiving, recruiting, enticing, harboring, providing, or obtaining an individual to aid in prostitution, or knowingly profited from such an act. This mental state is often the most challenging element for the prosecution to establish, as it requires delving into your thoughts and motivations, which can be difficult to prove with concrete evidence.
Sexual Contact or Penetration: A core element of prostitution involves proving that the act in question was indeed “sexual contact” or “sexual penetration” as defined by the statute. This isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. The law provides specific definitions for these terms, and if the alleged acts do not precisely meet these definitions, the prosecution’s case can falter. For sex trafficking, this element is tied to the underlying act of prostitution that the individual was compelled or facilitated to engage in.
For Hire or Profit: For prostitution, the state must demonstrate that the sexual contact or penetration was “for hire” – meaning there was an exchange of money or other valuable consideration. For sex trafficking, the prosecution must prove that you received a “profit or anything of value,” knowing or having reason to know it was derived from aiding in the prostitution of an individual. This financial component is crucial and often requires the prosecution to present evidence of transactions or exchanges, which can be challenged on various grounds.
Knowing Participation/Facilitation: In sex trafficking cases, the prosecution must prove that you “knowingly” engaged in the acts of receiving, recruiting, enticing, harboring, providing, or obtaining an individual to aid in prostitution, or that you “knowingly” received profit from such an act. This “knowing” element is vital; simply being present or indirectly involved without knowledge of the illicit activity is not enough for a conviction. Your defense will scrutinize whether the state can genuinely establish your awareness and intentional involvement in the alleged trafficking.
Lack of Consent/Coercion (in certain sex trafficking cases): While not an explicit element in every sex trafficking charge, the presence of force, fraud, or coercion often elevates the severity of the charge and is a key factor in proving a more serious offense. Even if not explicitly listed as an element in the basic definition, demonstrating a lack of consent on the part of the alleged victim through threats, intimidation, or manipulation can be central to the prosecution’s narrative and, conversely, a point of challenge for the defense.

The Potential Outcome: Penalties for a Prostitution or Sex Trafficking Conviction

A conviction for prostitution or sex trafficking in Minnesota carries severe and life-altering penalties. These are not minor infractions; they are serious criminal offenses that can result in significant prison time, exorbitant fines, and a lifetime of collateral consequences. The state views these crimes with extreme gravity, and the penalties reflect their intent to deter and punish.

The severity of the penalties for prostitution and sex trafficking varies greatly depending on the specific crime alleged, the presence of aggravating factors (such as involving a minor or a vulnerable adult), and your prior criminal history. These offenses are often graded into different degrees, with each degree carrying its own distinct set of statutory punishments. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony conviction can mean the difference between a few months in jail and many years in state prison, in addition to fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

First-Degree Sex Trafficking: This is the most serious level of sex trafficking offense, carrying the harshest penalties. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, potentially up to 20 years, and substantial fines, often up to $40,000. These charges are typically reserved for the most egregious cases, often involving multiple victims, minors, or particularly predatory behavior.
Second-Degree Sex Trafficking: While still a very serious felony, second-degree sex trafficking carries slightly lesser penalties than first-degree. A conviction could still mean up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000. This degree often applies to cases where there are fewer aggravating factors than in first-degree cases, but the core elements of sex trafficking are still present.
Third-Degree Prostitution (Promoting Prostitution): This felony charge for promoting prostitution can lead to up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. This applies to individuals who knowingly solicit patrons, provide premises for prostitution, or operate a business of prostitution, without necessarily engaging in sex trafficking as defined by the more severe statutes.
Fourth-Degree Prostitution (Patronizing Prostitution): This is a gross misdemeanor and typically applies to individuals who are patrons of prostitution. A conviction can result in up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $3,000. While less severe than felony charges, a gross misdemeanor conviction still carries a significant social stigma and can impact employment and housing.
Fifth-Degree Prostitution (Engaging in Prostitution): This is generally a misdemeanor for the individual acting as the prostitute. While it carries the least severe penalties, it can still result in up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000. Even a misdemeanor conviction for prostitution can have lasting negative consequences on one’s reputation and future opportunities.

The Battle Plan: Building Your Strategic Defense

An Accusation is Not a Conviction: The Fight Starts Now

When you’re hit with an accusation of prostitution or sex trafficking in Duluth or anywhere in Northern Minnesota, it feels like the end. But I’m here to tell you, it’s not the end; it’s the beginning of a fight. An accusation is not a conviction. It’s simply the state’s opening move in what will be a hard-fought legal battle. They have made a claim, and now it’s our turn to deliver a powerful, strategic counter-offensive. Your freedom, your reputation, and your future depend on how fiercely and intelligently that fight is waged. This is not the time for surrender; it is the moment to stand firm and challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case.

The state’s case is built on evidence, witness statements, and legal interpretations – all of which can be rigorously tested and challenged. They have resources, yes, but they also have weaknesses. My job is to expose those weaknesses, to poke holes in their narrative, and to demand that they prove every single element beyond a reasonable doubt. We will scrutinize every piece of evidence, every procedural step taken by law enforcement in St. Louis County, and every claim made by the prosecution. This isn’t about hoping for a lucky break; it’s about systematically dismantling their case piece by piece, turning their perceived strengths into vulnerabilities. The fight starts now, and I’m ready to lead it.

How a Prostitution or Sex Trafficking Charge Can Be Challenged in Court

When facing a prostitution or sex trafficking charge, a robust defense requires a multifaceted approach. There are numerous avenues to challenge the state’s allegations, each designed to expose weaknesses in their case and protect your rights.

Lack of IntentThe prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the specific intent required by the statute for prostitution or sex trafficking. This is a crucial element, and if the state cannot demonstrate your knowing and willful participation or purpose, their case crumbles.
- Misunderstanding or Misinterpretation: Often, what appears to be an illicit arrangement from the outside can be entirely innocent in reality. Perhaps there was a genuine misunderstanding of the conversation or the circumstances, leading to an incorrect assumption of intent on the part of law enforcement.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement cannot induce an otherwise law-abiding citizen to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If police in Proctor or Two Harbors used overly aggressive tactics, coercion, or persuasion to lure you into an alleged act, an entrapment defense may be viable, arguing that the intent originated with the state, not with you.
- Lack of Knowledge: Especially in sex trafficking cases, a defense can hinge on demonstrating a lack of knowledge about the illicit nature of the activity or the involvement of others. If you were unaware of the true purpose of an arrangement or the specific actions of others, you cannot be held liable for something you didn’t knowingly facilitate.
- Mistaken Identity: In some cases, particularly online or sting operations, there can be genuine confusion about the identity of the person involved. If you can establish that you were not the individual communicating or involved in the alleged activity, this defense could prove crucial.
Insufficient EvidenceThe prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If their evidence is weak, circumstantial, or contradictory, it may not be enough to secure a conviction.
- Credibility of Witnesses: The reliability and truthfulness of any witnesses, including alleged victims or informants, can be challenged. Inconsistent statements, biases, or a history of dishonesty can significantly undermine their testimony.
- Lack of Corroboration: Often, the state’s case relies heavily on a single piece of evidence or testimony. If there is no independent corroboration to support the allegations, the defense can argue that the evidence is insufficient and lacks the necessary weight to prove guilt.
- Inadmissible Evidence: Evidence obtained through illegal searches, coerced confessions, or violations of your constitutional rights (such as the right to remain silent or the right to counsel) can be suppressed by the court, meaning it cannot be used against you.
- Flawed Forensic Evidence: While less common in these types of cases, if any forensic evidence is presented, its collection, handling, and analysis can be challenged. Errors in lab procedures or interpretation can render such evidence unreliable.
Violation of Constitutional RightsLaw enforcement must adhere to strict constitutional standards during an investigation. Any violation of your Fourth, Fifth, or Sixth Amendment rights can lead to the suppression of evidence and, potentially, the dismissal of your case.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement in Bemidji or Cloquet searched your property, vehicle, or electronic devices without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained could be deemed inadmissible.
- Miranda Violations: The Fifth Amendment guarantees your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. If you were interrogated by police without being properly informed of your Miranda rights, or if your requests for an attorney were ignored, any statements you made could be excluded from evidence.
- Coerced Confessions: Any statement or confession obtained through duress, threats, or improper pressure from law enforcement is involuntary and inadmissible in court. Your defense can argue that your statements were not freely and willingly given.
- Right to Counsel: The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to legal representation. If you were denied access to an attorney when you requested one, or if your attorney was ineffective in their representation, this could form the basis for an appeal or a motion to dismiss.
Mistake of FactIn some situations, a genuine misunderstanding of the factual circumstances could lead to an accusation. If you genuinely believed the situation was something other than what the prosecution alleges, this could be a powerful defense.
- Honest Belief: You might have honestly believed you were engaged in a legal transaction or interaction, unaware of any underlying illicit activity. For instance, you might have genuinely believed you were engaging in legitimate work or communication, unaware of any connection to prostitution or trafficking.
- Lack of Awareness: In complex scenarios, especially those involving multiple parties or online interactions, you might have been genuinely unaware of the true nature of the activities occurring around you. This defense hinges on demonstrating that you lacked the factual knowledge necessary to form the criminal intent.
- Misleading Information from Others: You may have been given false or misleading information by other individuals involved, causing you to unknowingly participate in a situation that later led to charges. This would demonstrate a lack of criminal intent on your part.
- Circumstantial Evidence Misinterpreted: The state’s case may be based on circumstantial evidence that appears incriminating but can be explained by an innocent set of facts. My job is to present that alternative, innocent explanation to the court.

Defense in Action: Scenarios in Northern Minnesota

Bemidji: The Misunderstood Online ConversationA resident of Bemidji, let’s call him Mark, was engaging in online chat forums. He thought he was simply participating in adult conversations with another consenting adult. Unbeknownst to him, the person he was chatting with was an undercover law enforcement officer posing as someone offering sexual services, and some of the language used was interpreted by law enforcement as an offer to “hire” for sexual contact.In this scenario, a defense based on Lack of Intent would be crucial. Mark genuinely believed he was involved in consensual online communication, not soliciting prostitution. My defense would argue that Mark lacked the specific intent to “hire, offer to hire, or agree to hire” another individual for sexual contact or penetration. We would scrutinize the chat logs to demonstrate that while the conversation might have been suggestive, it never explicitly crossed the line into a clear offer or agreement for illegal activity, and that any perceived intent originated with the undercover officer, not Mark.
Cloquet: The Roommate’s Unknowing InvolvementSarah, a recent college graduate in Cloquet, rented out a spare room in her apartment to a new acquaintance. Unknown to Sarah, her new roommate was quietly using the room to facilitate prostitution without Sarah’s knowledge or consent. When police raided the apartment based on an anonymous tip, Sarah was also implicated due to her residency.Here, a defense of Mistake of Fact and Lack of Knowledge would be paramount. Sarah had no awareness of her roommate’s illicit activities and was genuinely mistaken about the purpose for which the room was being used. I would present evidence demonstrating Sarah’s lack of involvement, her legitimate activities, and the roommate’s independent actions, arguing that Sarah lacked the necessary criminal intent to “provide, lease, or otherwise permit premises or facilities owned or controlled by the person to aid the prostitution of an individual.”
Two Harbors: The Informant’s Unreliable TestimonyIn Two Harbors, John was arrested for promoting prostitution based almost entirely on the testimony of a confidential informant. The informant claimed John had solicited patrons for a prostitute at a local bar. However, the informant had a history of providing unreliable information to law enforcement in the past, and there was no independent corroborating evidence to support their claims.This case calls for a defense focused on Insufficient Evidence and challenging the Credibility of Witnesses. I would vigorously cross-examine the informant, highlighting their history of unreliability and potential motivations for providing false testimony. Without any other solid evidence, such as surveillance footage, financial records, or consistent witness statements, the prosecution’s case would heavily rely on this single, dubious source, making it vulnerable to attack.
Proctor: The Illegal Traffic Stop and SearchDavid was pulled over in Proctor late one night for a minor traffic infraction. During the stop, the officer, without probable cause or consent, proceeded to search David’s vehicle, claiming to smell marijuana. During the search, the officer found text messages on David’s phone that the prosecution later alleged were related to soliciting prostitution.This scenario presents a clear opportunity for a defense based on Violation of Constitutional Rights, specifically an Illegal Search and Seizure. The initial traffic stop might have been legitimate, but the subsequent search of the vehicle and the phone without a warrant or valid exception to the warrant requirement would be a violation of David’s Fourth Amendment rights. I would file a motion to suppress the illegally obtained evidence, arguing that any information found on the phone as a result of the unlawful search should be inadmissible in court, potentially gutting the prosecution’s entire case.

The Advocate: Why a Dedicated Duluth Defense Attorney is Essential

Countering the Resources of the State

When you face a prostitution or sex trafficking accusation in Duluth, you are not just up against a single prosecutor; you are facing the full, formidable weight of the state. This means an entire apparatus of law enforcement agencies – from local police in St. Louis County to state and even federal investigators – with vast resources at their disposal. They have unlimited time, manpower, forensic labs, and legal teams. They are relentless in their pursuit of convictions, and they will use every tool available to them to build their case against you. Trying to navigate this labyrinth alone is a recipe for disaster. You need an advocate who can stand toe-to-toe with these resources, who understands their tactics, and who has the experience and tenacity to counter their every move. I will be that counterforce, leveling the playing field and ensuring your rights are protected against overwhelming odds.

Strategic Command of the St. Louis County Courts

Navigating the criminal justice system in St. Louis County, from the initial arrest in Two Harbors to a potential trial in Duluth, requires more than just a passing familiarity with the law. It demands a strategic command of the local court procedures, the unwritten rules, and the unique personalities involved. Each courthouse, each judge, and even each prosecutor in Proctor or Cloquet has their own approach and nuances. An attorney who understands these intricate dynamics can anticipate moves, negotiate more effectively, and present your case in a way that resonates with the local legal landscape. I have spent my career operating within these very courts, building relationships, understanding the system from the inside out, and developing a strategic blueprint for success within this specific environment. You need someone who knows how to fight and win on this particular battlefield.

Fighting for Your Story, Not Just the Police Report

When an accusation of prostitution or sex trafficking is made, the police report often becomes the default narrative. It’s a document crafted by law enforcement, designed to present a case for prosecution, and it rarely tells the full story – your story. It often omits crucial details, misinterprets actions, and presents a one-sided account that can make you appear guilty before you’ve even had a chance to speak. My role is to fight for your narrative, to ensure that your perspective, your context, and your truth are heard. This means meticulously investigating every detail, interviewing witnesses, uncovering evidence that the police may have overlooked or ignored, and presenting a compelling counter-narrative that challenges the state’s version of events. In a town like Bemidji, where reputations are everything, this fight for your true story is just as vital as the legal battle itself.

An Unwavering Commitment to a Winning Result

Facing a prostitution or sex trafficking charge is a crisis, and during a crisis, you need an attorney who is not just competent but absolutely unwavering in their commitment to a winning result. This isn’t about simply going through the motions; it’s about a relentless pursuit of the best possible outcome for you. It means exploring every single legal avenue, challenging every piece of evidence, and fighting tooth and nail in negotiations or in court. It means providing you with a clear path forward, even when the situation seems bleak, and standing by your side every step of the way. My commitment is not just to represent you; it is to fight for your freedom, to protect your future, and to help you reclaim your life. When your world has been turned upside down, you need an attorney with an unwavering dedication to your fight.

Your Questions Answered

What should I do immediately after being accused of prostitution or sex trafficking?

The absolute first thing you should do is remain silent and immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to law enforcement, do not answer questions, and do not try to explain your side of the story without legal counsel. Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Can I be charged with prostitution even if no money exchanged hands?

Not directly under the definition of prostitution in Minnesota, which specifies “hiring, offering to hire, or agreeing to hire” or “being hired, offering to be hired, or agreeing to be hired.” However, other charges related to sexual offenses might still apply depending on the specific circumstances.

What’s the difference between prostitution and sex trafficking?

Prostitution generally refers to the direct exchange of sexual acts for money or value. Sex trafficking involves compelling, coercing, or facilitating an individual into prostitution, often through force, fraud, or intimidation, or profiting from such acts. Sex trafficking is a far more serious offense with much harsher penalties.

Can I fight a prostitution or sex trafficking charge if I was entrapped by police?

Yes, entrapment can be a powerful defense. If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have, it could lead to dismissal of the charges. This defense requires proving that the criminal intent originated with the police, not with you.

Will a prostitution or sex trafficking charge show up on my public record?

Even if you are only charged and not convicted, the arrest and charge may appear on your public record. A conviction will absolutely be part of your permanent criminal record, impacting background checks for employment, housing, and other opportunities.

What if I was unaware of the sex trafficking activity happening around me?

If you genuinely lacked knowledge or intent regarding the sex trafficking activities, it could be a strong defense. The prosecution must prove you knowingly participated or profited from the illicit acts. Lack of knowledge can negate the necessary criminal intent.

How long does a prostitution or sex trafficking case typically take?

The duration of a case varies widely depending on its complexity, the evidence involved, and whether it goes to trial. It can range from a few months to over a year. A dedicated attorney will work to resolve it as efficiently as possible while prioritizing your defense.

What evidence do prosecutors typically use in these cases?

Prosecutors often rely on text messages, online communications, financial records, witness testimony (including informants), surveillance footage, and sometimes statements you may have made to police. Each piece of evidence must be rigorously scrutinized.

Can a prostitution or sex trafficking charge be expunged?

Expungement is possible for some criminal records in Minnesota, but it depends on the specific conviction, its severity, and how much time has passed since your conviction and completion of probation. Sex trafficking convictions, especially felonies, are much harder to expunge.

How does a prior criminal record affect a new prostitution or sex trafficking charge?

A prior criminal record can significantly increase the penalties you face for a new charge, especially if it’s a prior qualified human trafficking-related offense. It can also impact how willing a prosecutor is to negotiate a plea agreement.

What are the potential immigration consequences of a prostitution or sex trafficking conviction?

For non-citizens, a conviction for prostitution or sex trafficking can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation, denial of visa applications, and inability to re-enter the United States. These are considered crimes involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies.

Can I refuse a polygraph test requested by law enforcement?

Yes, you absolutely have the right to refuse a polygraph test. Polygraph results are generally not admissible in court, and taking one without legal counsel can be extremely detrimental to your case. Always consult with your attorney first.

Will my name be released to the public if I’m charged?

In most cases, criminal charges and arrests are public information, especially once formal charges are filed in court. This means your name could appear in local news reports or court records accessible to the public.

What if I was coerced or forced into engaging in prostitution or sex trafficking?

If you were a victim of coercion, force, or human trafficking, your situation is different. You may have legal defenses available that protect you from prosecution, and you may even be eligible for victim services. This is a complex area that requires immediate legal intervention.

How can a defense attorney help me with a prostitution or sex trafficking charge?

A dedicated defense attorney will investigate your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, identify constitutional violations, negotiate with prosecutors, and if necessary, represent you fiercely in court. Their goal is to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Prostitution and Sex Trafficking; Definitions