Where are you located?
How long does it take for most cases to work their way through the court system?
Does your office provide interpreters?
How do I find the prosecutor assigned to a child exploitation or adult sex crime case?
Who ultimately decides punishment in a case?
Do victims of human trafficking or sexual assault have to testify in court?
How do I report that a child or adult is being trafficked or exploited online?
Who else can I contact for assistance?
Human Trafficking/Child Exploitation and Adult Sex Crimes
Prosecutors assigned to the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Section handle cases involving trafficking of adults or children for the purposes of forced labor services, forced sexual activity, or sexual activity for monetary purposes. They also handle cases involving online solicitation of children and the possession or distribution of images depicting children involved in sexual activity.
Prosecutors assigned to the Adult Sex Crimes Section handle cases involving the sexual assault of any person over 17.
If you are unsure whether your case is being handled by the Human Trafficking/Child Exploitation and Adult Sex Crimes Division, please call 713-274-0150.
In addition to prosecutors, our social work team is here to help victims of human trafficking and sexual assault navigate the criminal justice system and provide emotional support. To contact the social work team, please call 713-274-0150.
- Where are you located?
- How long does it take for most cases to work their way through the court system?
- Does your office provide interpreters?
- How do I find the prosecutor assigned to a child exploitation or adult sex crime case?
- Who ultimately decides punishment in a case?
- Do victims of human trafficking or sexual assault have to testify in court?
- How do I report that a child or adult is being trafficked or exploited online?
- Who else can I contact for assistance?
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Where are you located?
Answer
We are at 1201 Franklin on the second floor. Exit the elevator and take a left. At the end of the hallway, take a right into Victim Services.
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How long does it take for most cases to work their way through the court system?
Answer
It can take years for some criminal cases to be completed. Please know that regardless of how long the process takes, your case is important to us and our team is here to assist you in any way we can.
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Does your office provide interpreters?
Answer
We use a language service to communicate in almost any language, including American Sign Language. We have caseworkers who speak a variety of languages.
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How do I find the prosecutor assigned to a child exploitation or adult sex crime case?
Answer
You may call us at 713-274-0150 and our staff will connect you with the prosecutor assigned to your case involving human trafficking, child exploitations, or adult sex crimes.
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Who ultimately decides punishment in a case?
Answer
In most cases, the prosecutor will present a sentencing offer, which could be prison time or probation. This decision is based on a full evaluation of the applicable laws and facts of the case, including the opinion of the victim or guardian of the victim.
If the defendant chooses to decline the State's offer, then in some cases they can plea to be sentenced by a judge or exercise their right to a jury trial. If the case goes to trial and the defendant is found guilty by the jury, the defendant may chose to be sentenced by the judge or jury.
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Do victims of human trafficking or sexual assault have to testify in court?
Answer
For the majority of cases the victim will be asked to testify, even if they are a child. We recognize that testifying in court can be frightening for both children and adults. Our trained team of prosecutors, paralegals, investigators, social workers and community partners are committed to helping victims through the process.
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How do I report that a child or adult is being trafficked or exploited online?
Answer
- Call your local law enforcement agency and make a police report
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
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Who else can I contact for assistance?
Answer
Please view victim resources or call 713-274-0150.
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