Many new California laws have taken effect with the start of the new year, including the Senate Bill 14 new law: child trafficking added to 3 Strikes list.

Under Senate Bill 14 (SB 14), “human trafficking of a minor for purposes of a commercial sex act” is considered a “serious felony” and subject to harsher sentencing provisions under the 3 Strikes Law (AB 971).

SB 14 went into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

What is the California 3 Strikes list?

The 3 Strikes list consists of the violent and serious felonies subject to the harsher sentencing mandated by the 3 Strikes Law.

The following violent and serious felonies (and a few others) are on the 3 Strikes list:

• Murder or voluntary manslaughter
• Attempted murder
• Mayhem
• Rape and other sex offenses
• Lewd or lascivious act on a child under 14 years of age
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child
• Robbery with the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon
• Burglary of a residence
• Assault with intent to commit a robbery or rape
• Kidnapping
• Grand theft involving a firearm
• Any felony in which the defendant personally used a dangerous or deadly weapon

Under the 3 Strikes Law, convictions of these and other felonies on the list carry a prison sentence of 25 years to life if they are the third “strike” against the defendant.

What happens if you’re convicted of child trafficking?

Before SB 14, human trafficking for the purpose of pimping or child pornography was a felony that carried penalties including any or all of the following:

• Felony probation
• 8, 14, or 20 years in a California state prison
• Fines of up to $500,000
• Requirement to register for life as a three-tier sex offender

Now, as a felony on the 3 Strikes list, a conviction of child trafficking can carry a prison sentence of 25 years to life if the defendant already has 2 prior felony “strikes” against them.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney with Experience Fighting Charges of Human Trafficking

With child trafficking being added to the 3 Strikes list, it’s more important than ever to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side if you’re facing these charges.

Mark Broughton has 40+ years of criminal law experience, and he has conducted over 200 jury trials … including 3 Strikes cases. Schedule a free consultation for him to review your case and your options for the best possible outcome.

Call 559-691-6222 or click here to request a free consultation. We’ll get back to you right away.

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