Virginia Sex Trafficking Attorney
Sex trafficking is considered one of the most dangerous and destructive crimes in the state of Virginia. Depending on the scale of the alleged crime, it could even draw the attention of federal authorities. Being accused of sex trafficking can be enough to cause untold damage to your life even before charges are brought against you.
Being connected in any way to sex trafficking can shatter your reputation, prevent you from future career prospects, and turn public opinion against you. However, you can still receive comprehensive legal representation and advocacy. An experienced Virginia sex trafficking lawyer from Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC can help you navigate these serious charges and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
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Testimonials from Our Clients
Maybel G.
Jess is known for his meticulous and strategic work style. At his firm, there is a culture of excellence and client focused dedication that is unmatched. He is very thorough during the entire legal process and always finds a way to solve client problems.
Rachel K.
Jess Johnson is the perfect attorney to overcome serious legal charges! He is very approachable & will use his expertise to give you the best criminal legal defense possible and I know this from personal experience. When you’re going through the scariest period in your life, you need the best lawyer on your side. I give him my highest recommendation!
What Can You Do After an Arrest?
When you are arrested for alleged sex trafficking, you need to lawyer up as soon as you can. This is not something you are going to want to handle on your own. The legal penalties for sex trafficking can range anywhere from fines of up to $100,000 to decades in prison, depending on the exact nature of the offense. It is vital to your continued freedom that you speak with an experienced sex trafficking lawyer who can help you figure out a strong defense strategy.
When you are arrested for charges of sex trafficking, you may start to immediately feel overwhelmed and somewhat terrified. These are significant charges that could completely derail your life as you know it. You want to make sure you take the proper precautions to protect yourself by hiring a strong defense lawyer. Remember to exercise your constitutional rights to counsel and to remain silent, both of which you will need. A skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer can provide the legal guidance you need to navigate these serious charges and work toward the best possible outcome.
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Virginia Sex Trafficking Case Results
Pilot Found Not Guilty in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Our client was a pilot and retired military officer. He was accused of knowingly transporting a large quantity of cocaine from southern Texas to Atlanta. If convicted, he likely would have died in prison. We were able to show a jury that our client had no knowledge of the drugs on board his aircraft. The jury returned a not guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberating.
Federal Judge in Eastern District of Virginia Gives Lowest Possible Sentence to Autistic Client
Our client, a federal employee, was convicted of federal child pornography charges. Based on his autism diagnosis, we convinced a federal judge to give the lowest sentence possible.
Time-Served Sentence in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case in Atlanta
Our client was facing life in prison after being charged in a wide-sweeping drug conspiracy case in the Northern District of Georgia. We were able to show that our client was abused by her husband and forced to ingest drugs, which led her becoming addicted. The judge determined that her culpability was the least of the many who were charged and granted our request for a sentence of ‘time-served’ which means no additional jail time. Our client was able to go home to her children the same day that she was sentenced.
Dismissal of Child Pornography Charges in Richmond, Virginia for Autistic Client
Our client, a working professional, was charged with distribution of child pornography after law enforcement raided his home. We helped our autistic client and convinced the court to defer all charges for dismissal due to his disability.
What Crimes Are Considered Sex Trafficking?
Sex trafficking is the act of illegally transporting people from one place to another against their will with the express purpose of forcing them into sexual activity or sexual exploitation of some kind. There are multiple crimes that may be considered a form of sex trafficking in Virginia, and it is important to recognize these crimes to know if you may have committed them yourself. Here are some of the crimes that may be considered sex trafficking in Virginia:
- Abduction: Taking somebody against their will is a very serious crime. In Virginia, abduction is considered a Class 2 felony and could result in a $100,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. For a crime to be considered abduction, it must include the use of force or intimidation, forceful seizure, zero legal justification, and intent to molest or prostitute the victim in some capacity. This is considered sex trafficking under state law.
- Prostitution: Abducting a person for the purpose of forcing them into prostitution is considered a felony that could result in up to 10 years in prison and a substantial fine. Coercing somebody into prostitution is considered a sex trafficking crime in Virginia, as is encouraging or convincing that person to start working as a prostitute or in a brothel.
- Child Pornography: Having any involvement whatsoever in the production, creation, or distribution of child pornography falls under Virginia’s sex trafficking laws. This includes providing minors with sexually explicit materials. If you ever find yourself facing charges of child pornography or indecency with minors, it is imperative that you speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Additionally, a minor can be charged with sexual abuse if they are found to be involved in such offenses, which can carry severe legal consequences.
Contact Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC to Get Defense Related to Sex Trafficking Cases
Being charged with sex trafficking can destroy your life as you know it. Even just the accusation can sometimes be enough to cause significant devastation to your professional reputation, your job opportunities, your social standing, and even your personal relationships. You could be facing decades in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. You are going to need legal help to fight this.
The legal team at Johnson/Citronberg understands how difficult it can be to build a defense against sex trafficking charges. We can help you build up a strong case, gather evidence that supports your claim, and make sure your interests are protected throughout the process. Contact us to speak with a team member about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Sex Trafficking Charge?
You really should consider hiring a lawyer for a sex trafficking charge. This is a very serious crime that could result in significant prison time for you if convicted. The last thing you want in this situation is to find yourself unprepared. You could end up a convicted sex offender and a felon. While you technically don’t need to hire a lawyer for anything, refusing to do so in this case would only make your situation even worse.
What Is the Law in Virginia for Sex Trafficking?
The law for sex trafficking in Virginia is very harsh. The court system takes human trafficking charges very seriously, and the consequences are too severe to ignore. Many of the crimes that fall under the umbrella of sex trafficking are considered serious felonies, such as abduction, soliciting, and possession of child pornography. If you find yourself facing a potential sex trafficking charge, you should immediately reach out to a defense lawyer.
Who Can Help with a Sex Trafficking Defense?
If you are ever charged with a sex trafficking offense or an adjacent crime, an experienced sex trafficking lawyer or criminal defense lawyer can help you. You are going to want somebody on your side who understands what’s at stake for you and can provide you with consistent legal advice and a strong defense strategy. Having someone who knows what they are doing take charge of your case can provide you with peace of mind.
What Are the Five P’s of Sex Trafficking?
As a way to help combat the ever-present problem of human trafficking in the United States, the five P’s were implemented to make it clearer what authorities are trying to accomplish with certain legislation. The five P’s are Prevention, Protection, Provision, Prosecution, and Policy. Each level brings a different method and objective to the overall goal of eliminating human trafficking from the world and promoting anti-human trafficking work.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jess Johnson
Jess B. Johnson is a Partner & Founder at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC with more than 15 years of experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He represents clients in federal courts across the country and is licensed in Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Jess has handled complex investigations, trials, and appeals for elected officials, business leaders, whistleblowers, and individuals. He has secured dismissals, acquittals, favorable sentences, and major whistleblower awards. A University of Georgia graduate, Jess was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2012.
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Cary Jacob Citronberg
Cary Jacob Citronberg is the Partner and Founder of Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC in Alexandria, Virginia, where he focuses on federal and state criminal defense matters. Licensed in Virginia since 2011, he brings more than 14 years of courtroom experience along with a strong record of advocacy. Cary received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2010 after earning his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2006. His work has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers, with selections as a Rising Star from 2016 through 2021 and to the Super Lawyers list from 2022 through 2025.
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