Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a despicable crime that creates deep scars for victims and communities alike. While the traffickers themselves bear the primary guilt, the crisis has grown to a point where we must also look at the infrastructure that allows it to happen. Various businesses across the USA—including hotels, airlines, truck stops, and online platforms—often turn a blind eye to these activities. In the past, these entities largely escaped scrutiny, but the legal landscape is shifting. Today, survivors have the power to take legal action against these corporate facilitators.

At Mountaineer Law Group, we are dedicated to holding every responsible party accountable. We understand that this is a multi-faceted issue requiring a comprehensive legal strategy. If you or a loved one has been victimized, you do not have to fight this battle alone. Our Morgantown DUI attorney serves Pennsylvania, specifically Berks County and surrounding areas, ensuring that justice is pursued relentlessly for those who have suffered.

Important Facts About Human Trafficking Litigation

It is shocking to realize the sheer scale of this criminal enterprise. Human trafficking is estimated to be a $150 billion industry, with a staggering $99 billion of that revenue generated specifically through sexual exploitation. However, criminals rarely operate in a vacuum. They rely on the infrastructure of legitimate businesses to conduct their operations. Hotels provide the rooms, websites provide the advertising, and airlines provide the transport. These entities often play a direct, albeit sometimes passive, role in facilitating, concealing, and promoting the crime.

When facing such powerful entities, it is vital to have robust legal counsel. An experienced Morgantown criminal lawyer can help survivors navigate the complexities of civil litigation against these corporations. The legal framework for holding these businesses accountable was significantly strengthened by the Trafficking Victim Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2008. These amendments empower survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse to file civil claims against businesses that knowingly benefit from participation in these ventures.

At Mountaineer Law Group, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of this legal battle. We have assisted numerous survivors in their pursuit of justice, often partnering with national and international organizations dedicated to victim support. We know that the path to justice is rarely easy, but we strive to ensure that every survivor receives the compensation and closure they deserve.

Overcoming Challenges in the Pursuit of Justice

We recognize that pursuing a lawsuit is an incredibly challenging and emotional process for survivors. It requires immense courage to step forward, relive traumatic experiences, and speak out against powerful adversaries. Yet, taking this step is often the only way to disrupt the financial incentives of trafficking and create a safer world for future generations.

Our group handles a diverse range of legal matters with the same level of tenacity. Whether you are looking for a Morgantown DUI attorney for a complex human trafficking case, the principles of rigorous defense and aggressive advocacy remain the same. We are prepared for the vigorous legal battles that lie ahead. Our primary objective is to bring justice to victims and make a lasting, positive difference in their lives.

What Exactly is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights that demands urgent attention. While media narratives often focus heavily on sexual exploitation, it is crucial to acknowledge that this crime encompasses various forms, including forced labor. Victims endure unimaginable suffering in diverse settings, ranging from domestic households to commercial environments like sweetshops, construction sites, factories, restaurants, and hotels.

When seeking legal aid, it is important to find a Morgantown criminal lawyer who understands the nuances of these different environments. According to the International Labor Organization, an alarming 40 million people worldwide fall prey to human trafficking. The statistics are harrowing:

• 80% of victims are subjected to coerced labor or marriage against their will.
• 75% of all victims are women and girls.

Legislative Milestones and Protections

The United States has implemented several laws to combat this issue. The Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, signed by President Clinton, was the first federal act to address modern-day trafficking comprehensively. It defines human trafficking as the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or provision of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual servitude or labor.

Understanding these statutes is part of our daily practice. While you might initially come to a group seeking a Morgantown DUI attorney, you will find that a group like Mountaineer Law Group possesses deep knowledge of federal and state statutes across the board. In 2017, Forbes reported that human trafficking had become the fastest-growing industry in the USA. To combat this, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act was signed in 2015, making those who purchase sexual services from victims criminally liable. Additionally, an Advisory Council on Human Trafficking was established to provide valuable advice to the federal government, composed of survivors who guide policy.

Support in Morgantown and Berks County

Navigating the aftermath of trafficking requires a legal team that is compassionate yet aggressive in court. If you are in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, or anywhere in Berks County, Mountaineer Law Group is ready to stand by your side. We are committed to listening to your story and ensuring that the law works for you, not against you.

Just as a skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer fights to protect the rights of the accused, we fight with equal vigor to protect the rights of the victimized. We aim to ensure that all parties—from the direct perpetrators to the corporate facilitators—answer for their roles in these crimes.

Contact Mountaineer Law Group

Don’t let the legal system intimidate you. Contact us at (304) 381-3656 and let us help you overcome the ordeal of human trafficking. Together, we can leave this dark chapter behind and move forward, securing the justice you rightfully deserve. Whether you need a Morgantown DUI attorney for a traffic matter or a dedicated litigator for a human trafficking lawsuit, our team is here to help you reclaim your life.