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Tampa Human Trafficking Defense Attorney
Sex Trafficking Charges | Online Sting Defense | Chapter 787
If you have been arrested—or suspect you are being investigated—for human trafficking in Tampa Bay, you may feel like your life is over. The shock, shame, and fear that follow are overwhelming. But being accused is not the same as being guilty. Most trafficking prosecutions in Tampa Bay arise from online sting operations—not real trafficking rings. And many sting operations are built on tactics that can be challenged.
| What Is Human Trafficking Under Florida Law? Under Florida Statute 787.06, human trafficking occurs when someone knowingly recruits, transports, or obtains a person for labor or commercial sexual activity through force, fraud, or coercion. Sex trafficking specifically involves exploitation through prostitution, pornography, or sexual performance. In Tampa Bay, most sex trafficking prosecutions arise from undercover sting operations where no actual trafficking victim exists—the “minor” is an undercover officer. |
At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., I have defended clients facing human trafficking charges in Tampa Bay—including a case that went to trial where my client received probation instead of the prison sentence the State demanded. For over 25 years, I have focused on sex crimes defense, including practicing in an elite sex crimes unit before founding this firm.
| Case Result: Solicitation to Commit Human Trafficking Client convicted at trial but received probation—not prison—after pre-trial treatment strategy. Client preserved contact with his child and retained internet access. |
The Reality Behind Tampa’s “Human Trafficking” Arrests
Most trafficking arrests in Tampa Bay follow a predictable pattern:
- A man contacts what he believes is an adult escort online
- The photos are of adult women—often officers themselves, photographed when over 18
- The conversation turns sexual, then a bait-and-switch occurs
- The officer claims to have “younger girls”—typically “14 or 15”
- Even if the target backs out or never travels, charges are filed
By the time the “minor” is introduced, many targets have been drinking, using substances, or emotionally drawn in. These are life-changing accusations based on words and digital data—not real victims.
Charges That Arise from Trafficking Stings
| Charge | Florida Statute | Penalty |
| Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity | F.S. 787.06(3)(f) | 1st degree felony; up to life |
| Solicitation to Commit Human Trafficking | F.S. 787.06 / 777.04 | 2nd degree felony; up to 15 years |
| Traveling to Meet a Minor | F.S. 847.0135(4) | 2nd degree felony; up to 15 years |
| Attempted Lewd or Lascivious Battery | F.S. 800.04 / 777.04 | 3rd degree felony; up to 5 years |
| Solicitation of a Child Using a Computer | F.S. 847.0135(3) | 2nd degree felony; up to 15 years |
| Use of Two-Way Communications Device | F.S. 934.215 | 3rd degree felony; up to 5 years |
Prosecutors frequently stack multiple charges from a single sting operation. Conviction on any of these offenses typically requires sex offender registration.
Defense Strategies in Trafficking Sting Cases
| Defense | How It Applies |
| Entrapment | Police induced conduct you were not predisposed to commit. Many stings rely on repeated coaxing, suggestive language, or manipulation after initiating contact as an adult. |
| Outrageous Government Conduct | Law enforcement crossed constitutional lines—showing partial nudity, sending suggestive images, or pushing beyond legal limits. Courts have dismissed cases for this conduct. See State v. Williams, 623 So. 2d 462 (Fla. 1993). |
| Renunciation | If you backed out before the crime occurred—not out of fear of arrest but because you changed your mind—this can be a complete defense under Florida’s renunciation statute. |
| Lack of Intent | You never intended to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. Curiosity, fantasy, or conflict does not equal criminal intent. The State must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. |
| No Substantial Step | If you never traveled or took concrete action toward completing the offense, there may be no substantial step sufficient to support an attempt charge. |
| If You Have Been Contacted by Law Enforcement Do not explain, justify, or try to “clear things up.” These conversations are recorded. Contact The Brancato Law Firm immediately. Early intervention can prevent charges or shape how the State files them. |
Timing Matters: The Earlier You Act, the More Options You Have
If you contact my firm immediately after arrest—or even before charges are filed—I can sometimes intervene directly with the State Attorney’s Office to prevent charges from being filed at all. Once a formal filing occurs, your name, reputation, and freedom are at risk.
Time matters. Early action allows me to shape the narrative before prosecutors do.
Why You Need a Specialist—Not Just a Criminal Defense Attorney
Human trafficking cases demand experience, precision, and insight into how law enforcement operates online. Before founding this firm, I led an elite sex crimes unit and trained attorneys on these very tactics. That experience now drives my defense of those unfairly accused.
Where other attorneys see guilt, I see constitutional violations, forensic errors, and entrapment. My work often exposes misconduct so subtle that only a sex crimes specialist would catch it.
Discretion, Dignity, and a Way Forward
This accusation does not define who you are. People from every walk of life—business owners, veterans, teachers, students—find themselves caught in these operations. I handle every case with absolute discretion and complete confidentiality. Your story stays between you and your attorney.
My goal is simple: to ensure this moment does not define the rest of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be charged even if no minor was involved?
Yes. Law enforcement is prohibited from using real minors, so they pretend to be one. Under Florida law, belief alone is enough for a solicitation charge. That is why I focus on exposing inducement, manipulation, and lack of intent.
What if I backed out or said I changed my mind?
If you renounced the plan before any crime occurred—and not out of fear of arrest but because you genuinely changed your mind—this can form a complete defense under Florida’s renunciation statute.
What if I never traveled to meet anyone?
You can still face solicitation charges, but lack of travel is strong evidence that no substantial step toward committing a crime occurred. I use that to argue lack of intent or completion.
What if law enforcement showed suggestive images to entice me?
That behavior may support dismissal for outrageous government conduct or bolster an entrapment defense. Florida courts have repeatedly condemned tactics that manufacture criminal behavior rather than detect it.
What if I was not serious—I just wanted to learn more or report it?
Intent is key. If you were curious, conflicted, or planning to report it, that must be proven through messages, timing, and tone. I use those details to dismantle the prosecution’s theory.
Facing Human Trafficking Charges in Tampa?
If you have been arrested or believe you are being investigated for human trafficking in Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County, call The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. now. All trafficking charges are handled directly by me—not passed to associates.
Call (813) 727-7159 for a Confidential Consultation
The Brancato Law Firm, P.A.
620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 205, Tampa, FL 33602
Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties
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