Human trafficking exploits individuals with force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sexual purposes. Under Ohio state law, there are substantial penalties for those convicted of this crime. But how many years do you get for human trafficking? That answer depends on many factors, including the victim’s age, the scope of a crime, and other considerations.
Let’s look at what can influence the sentencing phase for this crime in the Buckeye State.
Human Trafficking Laws in Ohio
Ohio Revised Code (ORC) specifies human trafficking offenses under Section 2905.32. According to that, human trafficking occurs when “an individual knowingly compels another person to engage in labor or services or engage in sexual activity through force, threat, deception, or other forms of coercion.” These actions include recruiting, harboring, or transporting individuals for the purpose of exploitation.
In the state, human trafficking is a felony offense. The degree of the felony and length of a prison sentence will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime.
How Many Years with a Conviction?
According to the state statutes, human trafficking is classified as a first-degree felony, which is the most severe classification for this crime. When someone is convicted, these crimes carry a mandatory prison sentence.
Under current sentencing guidelines, a first-degree felony conviction could result in a prison term ranging from 3 to 11 years.
However, human trafficking cases often have aggravating factors, leading to enhanced penalties. In these situations, some offenders might face a sentence of 15 years or more in prison.
What Are Aggravating Factors?
When it comes to human trafficking crimes, the courts will often take into consideration aggravating factors. They enhance sentencing, which can add more years to the prison terms. These factors include:
Victim’s Age
When the victim is under the age of 18, the penalties can become more severe. If the individual was under 16, that can also result in a longer sentence.
Multiple Victims
If the offense involves multiple victims, those convicted can expect harsher penalties. Sometimes, the court will impose consecutive sentences for each victim, which can lead to a cumulative prison term that exceeds the standard prison term for a first-degree felony.
Use of Violence or Threats
If the offenders used threats, violence, or physical harm to coerce victims, then that is another factor that can increase a prison sentence. These actions’ impact on the victim is a factor in the sentencing phase.
Previous Convictions
For those repeat offenders or those with prior convictions for similar crimes, they will more than likely face enhanced prison terms. Under Ohio law, those who have demonstrated a pattern of criminal behavior related to human trafficking will face stricter penalties.
Are There Any Other Additional Penalties Associated with Human Trafficking?
In addition to imprisonment, those convicted of human trafficking could face other penalties, such as:
- The court may impose fines on those convicted of human trafficking, especially if the case involves large-scale operations.
- Often, those convicted are ordered to pay restitution to their victims. With that, they may cover the costs of medical care, psychological counseling, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the criminal act.
- If the case had an element of sexual exploitation, traffickers may be required to register as sex offenders.
- When the crime results in financial gain, the state may seize assets, including money, property, and other valuables, which were used in the commission of the crime.
Under state law, human trafficking is a serious felony offense and carries substantial penalties on those convicted of the crime.
Penalties Are Severe for Human Trafficking Crimes
How many years do you get for human trafficking? While the factors in the case will determine the exact amount of time, most convictions carry anywhere from three to 11 years in state prison. However, aggravating factors can always increase those penalties. Whether you are facing the possibility of a conviction for this crime or another, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.
At Hunt Law LLC, we can help if you have been charged with a criminal offense in the state. To arrange a free consultation, please contact us at 330-469-9836.