Human trafficking and slavery offences

Have you been charged and need strategic advice from a criminal lawyer in Australia?

If you have been charged with human trafficking, debt bondage, or a slavery offence, obtaining advice early on from experienced criminal lawyers will greatly affect the outcome of your case.

What is a Human Trafficking & Slavery offences?

Human trafficking and slavery offences are among the most serious crimes under Australian law, carrying significant penalties. These offences involve the movement and control of individuals for exploitation and are criminalised under Divisions 270 and 271 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

 If you are charged with human trafficking, slavery, forced marriage, or related offences, it is crucial to seek legal representation immediately, as these offences are highly complex and prosecuted aggressively.

The early stages are critical and can affect the outcome. Call us to discuss the facts of your case with our best Brisbane criminal lawyers about your human trafficking or slavery case.

Types of human trafficking and slavery-related charges

Human trafficking charges typically involve movement, either within Australia or across international borders, and control, which can take many forms, including:

  • Abduction

  • Deception

  • Abuse of power or leadership

  • Fraud

  • Coercion, threats, or debt bondage

  • Taking advantage of vulnerability

The control exercised over an alleged victim can lead to additional offences, including:

  • Slavery (s 270.3(1)) – Maximum 25 years’ imprisonment

  • Servitude (s 270.5) – Maximum 15 years’ imprisonment

  • Deceptive recruiting (s 270.7) – Maximum 9 years’ imprisonment

  • Forced marriage (s 270.7B) – Maximum 7 years’ imprisonment (or 9 years for aggravated offences)

  • Forced labour (s 270.6A(1)) – Maximum 12 years’ imprisonment (aggravated) or 9 years (standard)

  • Trafficking in persons (s 271.2) – Maximum 12 years’ imprisonment

  • Debt bondage (s 271.8) – Maximum 4 years’ imprisonment

  • Organ trafficking (s 271.7B) – Maximum 20 years’ imprisonment

These charges can be highly complex and often involve evidence from multiple jurisdictions, financial transactions, surveillance, and cooperation between Australian and international law enforcement agencies.

Legal considerations and defence strategies

 Human trafficking and slavery-related offences require a strong and experienced defence. Depending on the circumstances, potential legal defences may include:

  • Lack of intent – The accused had no knowledge of, or did not intend to engage in, trafficking-related conduct.

  • Duress – The accused was coerced or threatened into participating.

  • Mistaken identity – The accused was wrongly identified or linked to the offence.

  • Consent and lawful work agreements – The alleged victim was not unlawfully controlled or coerced.

Given the complexity of these cases, early advice from a Brisbane criminal lawyer is essential to assess the evidence, challenge procedural errors, and negotiate with prosecution authorities where appropriate.

If you are under investigation or facing human trafficking or slavery-related charges, the consequences can be severe. A conviction may lead to lengthy imprisonment, asset confiscation, and deportation for non-citizens.

 At Ashworth Lawyers, our best criminal lawyers are experienced in complex criminal defence matters and provide strategic legal representation to ensure the best possible outcome.

Contact us to discuss the facts of your case with our our criminal defence lawyers Brisbane.