Call Now  (713) 227-4444 Email Us Hablamos
Español

Neal Davis Blog

  • About
    • Neal Davis
    • Tyler Brock
    • Andrew Jordan
    • Hiring An Attorney
  • Expertise
    • Criminal Defense
    • Sex Crime Defense
    • Child Pornography
    • Child Solicitation
    • Drug Possession
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Shoplifing/Theft
    • DWI
    • Murder Defense
    • Assault & Family Violence
    • Title IX Defense
  • Results
  • Reviews
  • Press
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Criminal Defense Guides
    • Scholarships
Home / Sex Crimes / Why is Houston a Hub for Human Trafficking?

Why is Houston a Hub for Human Trafficking?

February 22, 2019

human trafficking problem in Houston, Texas

Houston is a great city in so many ways. But it may surprise some Houstonians to learn that their beloved home ranks as the nation’s worst city for human trafficking — or the illegal trade of humans — largely for sexual exploitation or forced labor.

How could this be?

One contributing factor is the Texas-Mexico border, a nearly 2,000-mile line that is the most frequently crossed international border in the world, with approximately 350 million documented crossings annually.

But not all persons entering Texas for forced labor are from Mexico.

Texas Human Trafficking Statistics

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 50,000 people from various countries are trafficked into Texas every year. And many other victims are U.S. citizens.

While Houston is #1 among cities, Texas as a whole ranks #2 among all 50 states in terms of human trafficking rates (after California), according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

The human trafficking statistics in Texas are really quite staggering.

The Statewide Human Trafficking Mapping Project of Texas estimated that, in 2016, more than 300,000 people were victims of human trafficking in the Lone Star State. Of those, 234,000 were adults subjected to labor trafficking, and 79,000 were minors and youths subjected to sex trafficking.

In fact, about one-fourth of human trafficking in Texas has involved young people forced into prostitution.

 

U.S. Human Trafficking Statistics & Laws by State
Human trafficking is a crime in every state.

This comprehensive report examines hard facts and data surrounding human trafficking and exploitation.

Find out more

Tackling Human Trafficking in Houston and Harris County

To combat this growing problem, the Houston Police Department has its own Human Trafficking and Criminal Investigation Unit, which is a part of its Vice Division.

Similarly, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department has a Criminal Investigations Bureau which handles undercover investigations of human trafficking crimes.

Neighboring Fort Bend County and Montgomery County officials also deal with human trafficking cases.

Just last week, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Conroe Police, HPD’s Human Trafficking and Criminal Investigation Unit and Homeland Security Investigations arrested eight people in an ongoing Montgomery County prostitution sting called Operation Broken Heart. Its purpose was to target human trafficking and online prostitution.

Still more were arrested by Houston authorities in January, which the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Those arrested included three individuals who had kidnapped and held a 20-year-old Fort Worth woman in Houston and were forcing her into prostitution.

The University of Houston also hosted a recent panel focusing on solutions to the human trafficking problem. And Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has called human trafficking an “epidemic” in Houston, while saying sex crime prosecution is a top priority.

Clearly, there is great public awareness and concern about such crimes. But such concern is nothing new.

Punishments for Human Trafficking in Texas

Human trafficking and slavery became prohibited by the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was written in 1864 and passed in 1865. For many years, those crimes have also been outlawed and considered serious crimes under Texas law.

Severe punishments can be applied by both state and federal laws. A person convicted of human trafficking of a minor can receive a sentence of at least 10 years in prison and perhaps as much as life in prison.

Of course, all this doesn’t mean that everyone who’s snared in widely cast nets by well-meaning law officers is guilty of human trafficking,

As the Neal Davis Law Firm has noted, crack-downs and stings can lead to innocent people getting caught in the crossfire. And after their arrest, such innocent persons may face overzealous prosecutors who fail to provide sufficient evidence.

Those who have been charged with human trafficking require a strong criminal defense strategy from an experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer or sex crime defense attorney.

For help, turn to the Neal Davis Law Firm and you’ll quickly receive a legal review of your case. Contact us today so we can get started defending your legal rights when facing a charge of human trafficking.

Related Resources

  • How Much Money Can Bond Be?
    How Much Money Can Bond Be?
  • 10 Celebrities Sentenced to Prison for White-Collar Crimes
    10 Celebrities Sentenced to Prison for White-Collar Crimes
  • Sentencing and Penalty Guidelines for White-Collar Crimes
    Sentencing and Penalty Guidelines for White-Collar Crimes

Learn More About Sex Crime Defense


Overview of Sex Crime Defense
Child Sex Offenses
Child Pornography Possession Defenses
Online Solicitation of a Child
Texas Sex Crime Law
Indecency with a Child by Contact
Indecency with a Child by Exposure
Aggravated Child Sex Abuse
Child Molestation Defense
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Improper Teacher / Student Relationships
Hiring a Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer
Sexual Assault of a Child (Statutory Rape)
Title IX Defense & Campus Sexual Assault
5-star review image
Falsely Accused
Criminal Defense  |  Houston
Client was accused of murder and needed strong criminal defense representation. The firm battled not only the prosecution but a barrage of unfavorable media attention. In the end, case resulted in dismissal and justice for our client
2016-06-09
"When I was falsely Accused of Murder and covicted by the media Neal Davis Law Firm was their. ..."
C.B, Verified Customer
5-star review image
My drug case was dismissed thanks to their investigation!
Drug Offenses  |  Houston
Client was looking for a drug offense attorney that would investigate the arresting officers and process of the arrest that was in question.
2016-07-01
"When your attorney enters the courtroom, don't you want to stand out from all the rest? I know ..."
J.B., Verified Customer
5-star review image
Houston's BEST Criminal Attorney!
DWI  |  Houston
Positive outcome in DWI case
2017-01-10
"Never expecting to inquire the services of a criminal attorney for a family member was something I didn..."
Father of Client E.L., Verified Customer

Categories

  • Child Pornography & Online Solicitation
  • Community
  • Criminal Defense
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crimes
  • Firm News
  • Intoxication Offenses
  • Sex Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • White Collar Crime

Search

Child Sex Offenses: Houston Sex Crime Defense

FREE E-BOOK

Learn all about the legal process and your legal rights.

Get Your Free Copy Now

Board Certified, Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2009-2021), AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell (2015), and listed as a Best Lawyer in America (2015-2022)

He doesn't give up, no matter what you're up against
M.F.
5-star review image
Got my life back
K.W.
5-star review image
Muy satisfechos con su trabajo
Tia de J.C.
5-star review image

Read All Reviews

    Contact Our Law Firm




    We respect your privacy. The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

    Address
    Neal Davis Law Firm
    The Heights Boulevard Law Building
    1545 Heights Blvd., Suite 700
    Houston, TX 77008

    Map

    Call 24/7
    (713) 227-4444

    Office Hours
    Monday - Saturday
    8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

    Sunday: Closed


    Experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm in Texas

    While based in Houston, our law firm provides knowledgeable representation and comprehensive legal services for individuals throughout Texas, including:


    Location

    Harris County:

    Houston, Pasadena, Baytown

    Montgomery County:

    Conroe, The WoodlandsWillis, Pinehurst

    Fort Bend County:

    Sugar Land, Richmond, Needville, Cinco Ranch


    Your Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer: Neal Davis


    A principle of the American criminal justice system is that all defendants are "innocent until proven guilty." Houston criminal defense attorney Neal Davis and his skilled legal team represent individuals accused of committing crimes. For over 20 years, Neal Davis has successfully defended clients in Texas and federal courts in all types of criminal matters at all phases, from state misdemeanors to complex federal matters. Often, he has favorably resolved criminal cases quickly and quietly, without the need for trial.


    The Neal Davis Law Firm defends the rights of individuals charged with all types of state crimes, including drug offenses , child sex crimes, online solicitation of a minor , child pornography, DWI and intoxication manslaughter, fraud and theft, assault and family violence, and murder and homicide, as well as all types of federal crimes.


    Board Certified, Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Serving all of counties and federal courts across Texas, including Harris County (Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Galveston County and Fort Bend County (Richmond). Enjuris Texas personal injury guide

    © 2023 Neal Davis Law Firm, PLLC. All rights reserved. Law Firm Online Marketing by SEO Advantage, Inc.


    Legal Information

    The information and materials on this website are provided for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently, and varies from place to place. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this website is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney; therefore, if you require legal advice, please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Every case is different and individual results may vary depending on the facts of a case.