Potential change to Kansas' sex trafficking law

February 16, 2013 (Press-News.org) Potential change to Kansas' sex trafficking law

Article provided by Garretson, Webb & Toth, LLC
Visit us at http://www.ks-sexcrimesattorney.com

Sex trafficking is still a problem in the United States, and the state of Kansas is currently pushing for legislation that would allow the enforcement of harsher penalties. This push stems from the belief that young girls between the ages of 14 and 17 need protection and that no sexual act can be consensual when a child is involved.

Senate Bill 61

The new bill sets out to create a new crime in the state of Kansas. This new crime is titled "commercial sexual exploitation of a child." This crime addresses a loophole that exists in current law that treats the exploitation of girls aged 14 to 17 the same way as that of adult women. Closing the loophole imposes a much more severe penalty on the third parties that exploit the young girls by selling sex, and the new law sets out to protect the girls by recognizing that their age makes a difference. Some residents may be concerned that the law is too broad and could include unintended victims, like the third parties, through its language and penalties.

Children are coerced

The main thrust behind the law is the conclusion these young women are the victims in these situations. Lawmakers believe that the girls, no matter the situation, are being pushed involuntarily into the sex trafficking business. Because of current laws, the coercion element must be proven, and there is no protection for the young woman who states that her participation was voluntary. The new law takes out the coercion element and qualifies all behaviors that happen with a minor as involuntary.

It's hoped that the new law will further assist the young women to break out of the cycle of sex trafficking. Instead of criminalizing the young women, a support team will work with them in order to provide them with education and encourage a healthier lifestyle. The University of Kansas is also involved with the state, studying effective ways to help the girls and get them back on their feet. The money for these assistance programs will stem from the increased sex crime penalties, which will increase when the law passes. Residents who may be accused with sex crimes will be in an even greater need of a strong defense to avoid the increasing penalties.

Sex crimes in Kansas

Changes that will take place because of the bill include changing the crime of "patronizing a prostitute" to "buying sexual relations" and moving that crime from a class C misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor. After the first offense, this crime will become a felony. "Promoting prostitution" will be known as "the sale of sexual relations," and the class A misdemeanor will change to a felony.

With reports of the increasing severity of crimes, the impact on one's future becomes greater. Much negative stigma surrounds sex crimes, and with the steep penalties and increased charges it is no surprise that those facing a sex crime charge should turn to professional assistance in order to protect their rights. Whether the crime is for child pornography, Internet sex crimes or prostitution, obtaining the help of an experienced sex crime attorney helps individuals understand their options and find the best solution.