A 21-year-old man is facing federal criminal charges in Fresno after being accused of sex trafficking minors, The Capitol reported.
A federal defense lawyer in Fresno will need to represent this defendant. The rules and laws are different in federal court; it's not enough to have an experienced attorney. An attorney experienced in handling federal criminal defense -- and specifically sex crimes in federal court -- should handle this case.
These are always sensitive cases. It's important to remember that a defendant is entitled to the benefit of the doubt until and unless he is proven guilty in court. Sometimes, sex crimes, and particularly those involving children, often carry their own stigma, whether or not a defendant is ever convicted. Unfortunately, a defendant may try to talk his way out of trouble, cut a quick deal, or plead guilty in an effort to put an embarrassing situation behind him. This is a mistake. A conviction for a sex crime will follow a defendant for years and reporting as a sex offender may be required for the rest of his life.
The best option is to seek a consultation with an experienced defense lawyer in Fresno as soon as possible after charges are filed, or once it is determined that you are the target of an investigation.
In this case, the 21-year-old Fresno resident is accused of recruiting or maintaining three girls to engage in commercial sex acts with knowledge that they were not yet 18 years old. The alleged crimes occurred from February to November 2009.
The indictment alleges the crimes were carried out for the financial benefit of the defendant.
ABC 23 News reports the victims ranged in age from 12 to 17.
If convicted, the defendant faces 10 years to life in prison on each count.
If you are facing federal charges in Fresno, contact the Law Offices of Michael E. Mitchell for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 559-222-2424. SE HABLA ESPANOL.
