What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a serious crime in Scots law, regulated by the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015. The law defines trafficking broadly and applies to the recruitment, transportation or exploitation of individuals, often using coercion or deception.
This can take the form of common types of exploitation, including:
- Forced Labour: Refers to forcing someone to work against their will.
- Sexual Exploitation: Forcing individuals into prostitution or other forms of sexual abuse.
- Organ Harvesting: A form of trafficking involving the removal of human organs.
Trafficking is more than crossing borders Importantly, this Act covers everything from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, even within Scotland, to trafficking.
Human Trafficking Penalties in Scotland
Human traffickers also face longer sentences. (On conviction, human trafficking is treated like a heinous crime.) These include:
- Long prison sentences (up to life, in extreme cases).
- Asset forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 for financially motivated offences
- Deportation orders for foreign nationals.
At Criminal Defence Lawyers Scotland, we appreciate what is at stake in these types of cases. Whether you are charged with direct involvement or caught up in an investigation of something larger, we have the experience necessary to fight your case.
Immigration Offence in Scotland: What You Need to Know
Immigration offences are often enmeshed with human trafficking cases but can also be independent of them. In the overwhelming majority of cases, these are offences which are in some way related to breaking the immigration law which is contained in the Immigration Act 1971 and subsequent legislation.
Some common examples of immigration offences on the border include:
- Overstaying visas: Staying in Scotland longer than permitted.
- Entering illegally: Illegally entering the country.
- Allowing unlawful entry: Helping others to stay or enter UK illegally.
Penalties of Immigration Crimes
Penalties include fines, deportation and imprisonment. Additionally, there are the long-term consequences of a conviction, including preventing your re-entry back into the UK or securing future visas.
If you are accused of an immigration offence, the stakes are personal and profound. At Criminal Defence Lawyers Scotland we understand the impact these types of cases have on families and lives. Our job is to take you through this process, making sure your rights are protected at all times.
Contact Criminal Defence Lawyer Scotland’s Expert Criminal Defence Lawyers
Criminal Defence Lawyers Scotland provides a service of the highest possible quality to all of its clients, regardless of whether the case is supported privately or through legal aid. It is possible to guarantee that clients will receive complete confidentiality and discretion.
Our offices are located in a convenient location close to the city heart of Glasgow, but we have operations throughout Scotland. The company provides a service that is available around the clock, every day of the year, for clients who are in the custody of the police.
Please take note that although we continue to offer assistance in courts located throughout Scotland, we have the right to exercise our discretion on whether or not to accept instructions in any matter, including those involving legal aid.
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At Criminal Defence Lawyers Scotland, we are committed to providing you with the information and support you need to navigate the criminal justice system confidently. Thank you for visiting our blog, and we look forward to serving you with valuable legal insights and advice.
