Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking

What is modern slavery?

‘Modern slavery’ is an umbrella term for a range of offences, including:

• Slavery
• Domestic servitude
• Sexual exploitation
• Forced, bonded or compulsory labour
• Gangmaster activity
• Human trafficking

Modern slavery offences can range from large-scale operations run by well-organised enterprises to those committed by individuals who acted through coercion or intimidation.

What is the sentence for modern slavery?

The sentences for modern slavery offences range from a High-Level Community Order to life imprisonment. The Court will consider several factors when determining the severity of a sentence, including your role in the offence and whether your actions were premeditated.

Are there any defences to modern slavery?

How we defend the charges against you depends entirely on the circumstances of your case. For example, we might be able to demonstrate that, while your employment practices might be deemed exploitative, they do not constitute modern slavery. Alternatively, you may be unaware that your organisation holds people in conditions akin to servitude or slavery.

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is a modern slavery offence. Specifically, it involves moving people from one place to another with the intention of exploiting them by, for example, forcing them to work or do things they don’t want to do, such as sexual exploitation.

What is the sentence for human trafficking?

The spectrum of sentences for human trafficking is broad, ranging from a High-Level Community Order to life imprisonment. The Courts will consider a number of factors when deciding on an appropriate sentence, including how much financial gain you expected to receive from committing the offence and the level of violence used or threatened.

Are there any defences to human trafficking?

Our defence strategy in human trafficking cases depends on each particular situation. For example, to prove a human trafficking offence, the prosecution must show that you intended to exploit the victim in some way. If we can gather evidence to refute that assertion, we may be able to build a defence on that basis.

Modern slavery offences, including human trafficking, are extremely serious. Bodies such as the National Crime Agency and Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority have made tackling them a priority, and the cases are usually prosecuted by highly trained prosecutors with vast experience in the field. That’s why you need support and representation from experienced, specialist solicitors like DJMS at every stage of the prosecution process.

At DJMS, we firmly believe there are two sides to every story. We are not here to judge you but to establish the facts and defend your interests. Modern slavery and human trafficking matters are often complex and evidence-heavy, and much of what is alleged may be capable of contradiction. We will review the prosecution’s evidence in meticulous detail, identifying any anomalies that may weaken their case. We will collate all relevant evidence to demonstrate your innocence or build a strong defence, with a view to avoiding prosecution altogether, securing an acquittal, or reducing your sentence. We can advise you from the pre-charge stage through to trial and are available 24/7 to provide the guidance and support you need.

Get in touch with DJMS Solicitors

For more information or if you require urgent advice and/or representation following allegations relating to Modern Slavery or Human Trafficking, please contact DJMS’ specialist team.