Minneapolis Human Trafficking Defense Lawyer

Human trafficking allegations trigger some of the most aggressive prosecutions in Minnesota. These cases can involve task forces, digital evidence, cooperating witnesses, and fast-moving charging decisions, often with decades of prison exposure on the line. If you’ve been arrested, served with a search warrant, contacted by investigators, or believe you are under investigation, you need experienced counsel immediately.

At Tamburino Law Group, we defend clients accused of serious sex crimes and are led by Joe Tamburino, a former public defender and proven trial lawyer with decades of experience.

What Joe Tamburino brings to your defense:

• Certified Criminal Law Specialist (MSBA) – 1 of 50 in the state 
• 100+ jury trials personally tried
• 30+ years focused exclusively on criminal law

If you’re charged or investigated for sex or human trafficking anywhere in the Twin Cities or state of Minnesota, we can help. Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.

Why Choose Tamburino Law Group

Trafficking cases are not standard criminal matters. They require defense counsel who understands how prosecutors build these investigations and how to challenge them effectively.

Our defense team offers:

• Board-Certified Criminal Law Expertise 
• Over 75 Years of Combined Legal Experience
• Former Prosecutors Who Know the System 
• A Strategic, Trial-Tested Defense Approach
• 24/7 Availability for Urgent Legal Help 

Proven Results in Serious Felony & Sex Crime Cases

When the state alleges trafficking or exploitation, prosecutors often push for extreme outcomes. Our firm has extensive experience defending serious felony and sex crime charges, and we prepare every case with the expectation that it must stand up under real courtroom scrutiny.

Examples of our results include:

• Case Dismissed — 1st Degree CSC (Carver County): Dismissal obtained in a case carrying severe prison exposure.
• Case Dismissed — 4th Degree CSC (Douglas County): Dismissed after prolonged motion work and investigation.
• Trial Acquittal — 1st Degree CSC: Acquittal after motions revealed credibility issues.

Human Trafficking vs. Sex Trafficking in Minnesota

“Human trafficking” is an umbrella term. In Minnesota, trafficking cases are typically charged under different statutes depending on the allegation:

• Sex trafficking allegations are commonly charged under Minnesota’s trafficking/prostitution enterprise laws (often focused on recruiting, inducing, promoting, profiting from, or facilitating commercial sexual activity).
• Labor trafficking allegations focus on compelled labor or services through improper means.

The right defense begins with one question: What statute is the state actually charging and what must it prove beyond a reasonable doubt?

Minnesota Sex Trafficking Laws and Potential Penalties

Minnesota’s sex trafficking statute (often charged under Minn. Stat. § 609.322) can be filed in different degrees depending on the allegations. These are felony-level prosecutions that can carry decades of prison exposure and substantial fines.

In broad terms, cases escalate based on factors such as:

• Whether minors are alleged victims
• Whether the state claims force, threats, coercion, or exploitation
• The scope of alleged conduct (recruiting/inducing/promoting/profiting, etc.)
• Whether the allegation involves an ongoing “enterprise” or pattern

Minnesota Labor Trafficking Laws and Potential Penalties

Minnesota also criminalizes labor trafficking (often charged under Minn. Stat. § 609.282). These cases can involve allegations of:

• Coercive control over housing, pay, transportation, or documents
• Threats, intimidation, or abuse of legal process
• Compelled work or services under exploitative conditions

Labor trafficking charges can also carry severe felony penalties, especially where prosecutors allege aggravating facts.

Are Trafficking Cases State or Federal?

Both. Human trafficking and sex trafficking cases may be prosecuted:

• In Minnesota state court, by county prosecutors; and/or
• In federal court, typically when the case is investigated by federal agencies or includes interstate elements.

In some situations, you can face parallel exposure—state charges, federal charges, or a state case that becomes a federal case as evidence develops.

Federal exposure is more common when allegations involve:

• Minors
• Interstate activity (travel, communications, money movement)
• Larger investigations (multiple alleged victims, coordinated activity)
• Federal task force participation (FBI/HSI) or federal warrants/subpoenas

If federal agents are involved at any stage, defense strategy must account for federal sentencing dynamics and the broader investigative footprint immediately. Our team has experience representing clients charged with both state and federal crimes. 

How Trafficking Cases Are Investigated

Trafficking cases are often evidence-heavy and expand quickly once devices are seized. Investigators may rely on:

• Search warrants for phones, computers, cloud accounts, and messaging apps
• Financial records (payment apps, deposits/transfers, hotel and travel records)
• Surveillance, controlled communications, and cooperating witnesses
• Social media, online ads, and platform data
• Early interviews designed to lock in a narrative before the defense has discovery
• Undercover operations, including prostitution stings

A disciplined defense focuses on how evidence was obtained, what it actually proves, and whether the government is stretching facts into trafficking elements that aren’t there.

Defense Strategy in Sex Trafficking and Human Trafficking Cases

These cases are not won with generic talking points. A real defense is statute-specific and evidence-driven. Depending on the facts, strategies may include:

• Challenging the State’s Theory of Trafficking. Prosecutors sometimes attempt to reframe peripheral conduct (messages, logistics, shared housing, financial transfers) as trafficking. The defense must force the state to prove the specific statutory elements.
• Attacking Witness Credibility. Many trafficking prosecutions involve cooperating witnesses or incentivized testimony. A strong defense tests motives, inconsistencies, and the timeline, then uses records and digital evidence to confirm what’s true.
• Digital Evidence and Attribution Defenses. Who used the device? Who controlled the account? What context is missing from screenshots or partial logs? In many cases, the “story” presented by the state is not what the full data shows.
• Search-and-Seizure Challenges. Phones and cloud data are often the backbone of these cases. If warrants are defective, overly broad, or executed unlawfully, suppression can change the posture of the entire prosecution.
• Negotiation From a Position of Strength. When resolution is appropriate, it should be pursued from a position built on motions, leverage, and trial readiness.

What to Do If You’re Under Investigation

If investigators contact you, request an interview, or serve a warrant, the safest approach is simple:

• Do not give a statement without counsel (even “off the record” conversations get used).
• Do not consent to searches of devices or accounts without legal advice.
• Do not contact potential witnesses or try to “fix” facts—those steps can create new exposure.
• Call a proven defense team immediately so your attorney can take over communications and protect your rights.

Call For a FREE Consultation: (612) 444-5020

Trafficking allegations can move fast and escalate quickly. Early intervention can matter, both in controlling the investigation and in positioning your defense for motions, dismissal, charge reductions, or trial. If you or someone you know is facing charges, our Minneapolis sex trafficking defense lawyers can help.

Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.