Facing a sex trafficking accusation in Scottsdale or surrounding jurisdictions is a serious matter that can impact your future, reputation, and freedom. A Scottsdale sex trafficking attorney can guide you through these complex charges, helping you understand your legal options and building a strong defense. Arizona law treats sex trafficking crimes very strictly, so getting trusted legal help as early as possible is important.
At Diaz Law, PLLC, Attorney Hector Diaz brings over two decades of criminal defense experience, spanning high-profile white-collar and serious felony cases, to clients facing sex trafficking allegations. Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, Hector’s proactive and strategic defense can safeguard your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.
● Understanding Sex Trafficking Charges in Scottsdale and Arizona
● Federal vs. State Jurisdiction
● Arizona Laws on Sex Trafficking
● Legal Consequences of Sex Trafficking Convictions
● Building a Strong Sex Trafficking Defense
● Seeking Legal Help in Scottsdale
● How Hector Diaz Can Help You
● Frequently Asked Questions
● Contact Diaz Law for a Free Consultation
People accused of sex trafficking in Scottsdale and other jurisdictions in Arizona face serious legal consequences. Charges can be based on complex Arizona laws or federal laws, and knowing the key differences is important to your defense.
Sex trafficking in Arizona involves recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining a person for sexual exploitation. If you use force, fraud, or coercion, or if the victim is a minor, the offense becomes more severe.
Proving sex trafficking requires specific evidence. Prosecutors must show that you knowingly participated in these activities. It does not matter if the person agreed to participate when force or coercion is used, or if the victim is under 18.
Common legal terms in these cases include:
● Coercion: Using threats, harm, or manipulation to force actions.
● Commercial sex acts: Any sexual activity done for anything of value.
● Minor involvement: Automatic elevation of charges if the person is under 18.
Being accused does not make you guilty, but you must defend yourself against these elements.
Arizona law treats sex trafficking as a felony. Under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1307, it is illegal to recruit, take, or move someone for the purpose of prostitution or sexual exploitation. Penalties are higher if minors are involved.
Sentences can include long prison terms, probation, and registration as a sex offender. Even attempts to help others can be charged. Investigators build cases using text messages, surveillance, witness statements, and financial records.
If you are charged, you have the right to a defense. Legal defenses may involve challenging evidence or proving a lack of knowledge or intent. Consulting with an experienced Arizona attorney is critical given the state’s tough stance on these cases.
Federal vs. State Jurisdiction
Sex trafficking cases in Arizona may be charged in state or federal court. If the alleged crime crosses state lines or involves international activity, it falls under federal law. The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) applies in these cases.
Federal charges often lead to tougher sentences. Victims who are under 18 or cases with multiple states are usually prosecuted federally. State cases stay within Arizona’s State courts and use state statutes.
● Federal Prosecution:
○ Charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1591 (Sex Trafficking of Children or by Force, Fraud, or Coercion).
○ Involves interstate or foreign commerce elements (e.g., using phones, the internet, transportation across state lines).
○ Penalties: 10–20 years to life imprisonment for child trafficking, up to life imprisonment for adult trafficking with force or coercion.
● Arizona State Prosecution:
○ ARS § 13-3212: Sex trafficking of a minor (Class 2 felony) or adult (Class 3 or 2 felony depending on coercion).
○ Penalties range from 3 to 15 years in prison, plus mandatory sex offender registration.
If your case involves federal jurisdiction, investigations may involve agencies such as the FBI or Homeland Security. You may face charges in both state and federal courts, and different rules and penalties can apply. Legal help is needed to handle both courts if that happens.
Being convicted of sex trafficking in Arizona can lead to severe prison time, high fines, and long-term effects on your future. The law treats these offenses very seriously, and even after serving your sentence, you may continue to face strict legal and social consequences.
Potential Penalties in Arizona
Arizona law classifies sex trafficking offenses under its human trafficking statutes:
● Sex Trafficking of a Minor (Class 2 Felony): 3–15 years in prison, up to 12.5 years mandatory for certain aggravators.
● Sex Trafficking of an Adult by Force or Fraud (Class 3 Felony): 2–8.75 years.
● Sex Trafficking of an Adult by Coercion (Class 2 Felony): 3–15 years.Conviction also triggers:
● Mandatory 10-year to lifetime sex offender registration.
● Fines up to $150,000.
● Restitution to victims.
Federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1591 carry even harsher penalties and automatic deportation risks for non-citizens.
Collateral Consequences
A sex trafficking conviction leads to more than a jail sentence. You may have to register as a sex offender, often for life, and this information is public.
You may lose the right to own firearms and face limits on where you can live and work. Many employers will not hire people with this type of record, even for jobs that do not involve working with children.
Family law matters, such as child custody, can also be affected. You may not be able to vote or serve on a jury, depending on the length of your sentence and other factors. Social stigma is common, and your reputation in Scottsdale and beyond may change significantly.
Impact on Criminal Record
A conviction for sex trafficking becomes a permanent part of your criminal record in Arizona. Felony convictions cannot be sealed or expunged in most cases, especially crimes involving minors.
Law enforcement and courts will have access to your records in the event of any future arrests or legal issues. This can lead to harsher sentences in the future.
Your criminal record will appear on most background checks, making it very hard to get housing or jobs. Even years after your sentence, this part of your record can continue to affect almost every aspect of your life in Scottsdale and the rest of Arizona.
A strong sex trafficking defense in Scottsdale and surrounding jurisdictions often involves examining police evidence, checking if your rights were violated, and getting help from the right legal experts. Paying attention to these areas can make a major difference in your case.
Challenging Evidence
One of the first steps your criminal defense attorney may take is to challenge the evidence against you. The prosecutor must prove every part of the charge, so reviewing all physical evidence, recorded statements, and digital data is important.
Attorneys often request access to police notes, videos, texts, or phone records. They check for mistakes in collecting evidence or possible tampering. Even items like hotel receipts or communications are closely examined to see if they really support the accusations.
If the evidence is weak or was gathered improperly, your attorney can push to have it excluded. This process can often lead to reduced charges or dismissal. Your attorney may also talk with you in a consultation to explain which evidence is most important.
Identifying Constitutional Violations
Your rights are protected under the U.S. and Arizona constitutions. If police or investigators ignored those rights, your attorney will look for these problems. Common violations in sex trafficking cases include illegal searches or arrests, failure to read your rights, or denying you an attorney.
Any violation can make important evidence unusable in court. Your attorney checks how search warrants were issued and whether you were treated fairly during questioning. If any rights were not respected, your attorney may file motions to suppress certain evidence.
This step is key because a judge may decide that evidence cannot be used against you if your rights were violated during the process. You can discuss these issues during a legal consultation to better understand your defenses.
Working With Legal Experts
Sex trafficking cases can be complex, so your attorney may work with legal experts. These might include private investigators, digital forensics analysts, or psychologists. Their role is to review the prosecution's findings and offer a second opinion.
Experts can help explain online communications, trace money transfers, and review digital evidence for errors or misinformation. For example, a digital expert might prove that messages or accounts were hacked or misused. Psychologists may be brought in to analyze interviews and statements from witnesses.
Bringing in experts can give your criminal defense attorney stronger arguments in court and may uncover evidence that supports your side. Your attorney will discuss with you what types of experts could help your case and why. A thorough approach can give your defense a better chance at success.
Finding legal help if you are involved in a sex trafficking case in Scottsdale and other surrounding areas can be challenging. The right attorney can make a major difference in how your case moves forward and what options you have.
How to Choose a Qualified Attorney
When looking for a sex trafficking attorney in Scottsdale, check for experience with human trafficking laws in Arizona. An experienced lawyer, like Attorney Hector Diaz, has handled similar cases and is familiar with state and federal regulations.
Look for these qualities in a qualified attorney:
● Relevant experience with sex trafficking and related cases
● Knowledge of Arizona criminal law
● Strong communication and a clear defense strategy
● Good reviews or recommendations from past clients
You can also ask about past results in similar cases. Choosing a lawyer you feel comfortable with is important. Schedule meetings or consultations to ask questions about how the attorney would approach your case.
Importance of Early Consultation
Meeting with an attorney early in the process is important. Early consultation can help you understand your rights and the possible charges you face in Arizona.
Immediate legal advice can:
● Protect you from making statements that could later be used against you
● Help gather evidence in your favor quickly
● Allow your attorney to build a defense before charges are finalized
Most lawyers offer an initial consultation, which can give you a better understanding of your situation. Reaching out sooner rather than later helps protect your legal options. Don’t wait until matters become urgent—early help may change the outcome.
When you’re facing sex trafficking charges in Scottsdale, having an attorney who combines deep legal knowledge with strategic insight can make all the difference. Here’s how Hector Diaz at Diaz Law stands apart:
● Elite Experience: Hector Diaz began his career at one of the nation’s top law firms, where he gained invaluable courtroom and negotiation skills defending high‑profile clients. He’s leveraged that training to handle the most complex white‑collar and violent felony cases, including multi‑million‑dollar fraud prosecutions and sex trafficking conspiracies.
● Strategic Foresight: Hector treats early‑stage evidence like a pliable material—one he can shape and refine before it solidifies into an unbreakable prosecution narrative. By intervening at the investigative and pre‑indictment phases, he identifies weaknesses in the government’s case and negotiates directly with prosecutors to defuse charges before they escalate.
● Comprehensive Support: At Diaz Law, you’re not handed off to a paralegal or junior associate—Hector personally oversees every aspect of your defense. He offers bilingual representation in English and Spanish and provides crisis and media management services to protect your reputation.
● Strong Relationships: For over two decades, Hector has established professional relationships with key figures in Maricopa County’s legal community, including prosecutors, investigators, and judges. These connections grant valuable insight into decision‑making tendencies and procedural preferences, enabling him to negotiate more persuasively for favorable outcomes.
With Hector Diaz by your side, you gain more than just a lawyer—you gain a relentless advocate. From your first meeting through case resolution, he’ll leverage his elite experience, strategic foresight, full‑spectrum support, and courtroom relationships to defend your rights and preserve your future. If you’re confronted with sex trafficking allegations in Scottsdale or the surrounding East Valley, contacting Diaz Law early gives you the strongest possible foundation for your defense.
A Scottsdale sex trafficking attorney helps guide you through complex legal challenges if you are accused of sex trafficking. Their work includes reviewing your case, building strong defenses, and representing you in court to ensure your rights are protected.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Diaz Law team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.
Sex trafficking allegations threaten not only your freedom but also your reputation, family, and future opportunities. Immediate, experienced legal representation is vital to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights. Attorney Hector Diaz at Diaz Law combines decades of high-profile criminal defense experience with a proactive approach designed to neutralize charges before they harden.
Don’t face these life-altering charges alone. Contact Diaz Law today for a confidential consultation with Hector Diaz. Serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, and Maricopa County, he stands ready to defend you at every stage and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
