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Human Trafficking Defence Solicitors

If you are facing a human trafficking or modern slavery allegation, you need to understand what investigators believe your involvement was and how to respond. Our human trafficking defence solicitors provide advice from the first contact with the police or National Crime Agency through to representation in court.

These investigations can involve several suspects, extensive communications and events spanning different countries. We examine the conduct attributed specifically to you, assess the evidence concerning your knowledge and intentions, and identify material that may support your account. You will receive clear advice before interview and a defence prepared around your individual circumstances.

Draycott Browne represents clients facing serious criminal allegations across England and Wales. The firm is recognised by Chambers UK for Crime, and our team includes solicitors accredited under the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation scheme. We combine detailed preparation with straightforward explanations, so you understand the decisions ahead.

For confidential advice about a human trafficking or modern slavery investigation, call the number at the top of this page or complete our enquiry form to request a call back.

How we can Help You

If you need advice from solicitors with expertise in modern slavery and human trafficking charges, contact Draycott Browne as soon as possible. Our criminal defence team have extensive experience in navigating the complexities of charges under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and we can provide outstanding levels of support, starting from your initial contact with police and every stage of any subsequent prosecution. Even if you just have concerns about potential charges, but haven't been arrested or charged, our solicitors are here to help. Throughout your case, we can provide you with complete advice and support, including:

 

  • Representing you at the police station
  • Ensuring your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly throughout the process
  • Advising you on your plea
  • Applying for any bail and ensuring the impact of any conditions is minimised
  • Ensuring you are fully prepared for your trial
  • Providing expert representation in court
  • Helping you protect your reputation
  • Advising and assisting you on the appeals process, if necessary

For a free initial consultation, urgent specialist advice, immediate representation, or to discuss an arrest or charges relating to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, reach out to Draycott Browne Solicitors. Our team is available 24/7, ready to provide expert legal support and the best chance of a positive outcome to your case.

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Criminal Defence Expertise for Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Offences

Our Experienced Serious Crime Team

Shaun Draycott

Shaun Draycott

Managing Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Rob Mann

Rob Mann

Director & Serious Crime Solicitor
Venessa Schweitzer

Venessa Schweitzer

Consultant Litigator
Caitlin Cardwell

Caitlin Cardwell

Crown Court Litigator
Meet the Team

What offences are under the modern slavery act 2015?

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 combines and simplifies existing laws related to modern slavery into one comprehensive act. The act also puts a responsibility on larger businesses to share what they are doing to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.

Modern slavery and human trafficking offences, as outlined under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, encompass a range of exploitative practices that violate fundamental human rights. The Act covers:

 

Slavery, Servitude, and Forced or Compulsory Labour

A crime is committed when individuals are held in slavery or servitude by others and compelled to work, or perform labour, against their will. Charges may be brought where offenders know, or should reasonably know, that a victim is being held against their will and made to work.

Servitude, whilst similar to slavery is broader in definition; it describes a situation where an individual is compelled to provide domestic work through direct force or coercion. Domestic servitude can be characterised as a type of forced labour in a domestic environment.

 

Human Trafficking 

The crime of human trafficking involves the arrangement or facilitation of the travel of individuals with the intent of exploitation. Human trafficking is another major offence under the Act, which is committed when someone arranges or facilitates the travel of another person with the intent of exploitation, regardless of the victim's consent. Human trafficking can take place within a country, or can involve cross-border trafficking, where a victim is taken from one country to another. 

Other examples of modern slavery and human trafficking offences include prostitution, particularly the luring of women or young individuals under false promises abroad for sexual exploitation. Slavery or similar practices involve the movement of people who may be drugged and controlled, forcing them to contact their families for ransom payments that are often confiscated by criminal gangs. Forced labour, labour exploitation, or forced services are linked to debt owed to traffickers and can manifest in industries such as construction, service, agriculture, or entertainment. County line offences may also fall under modern slavery laws, such as the coerced use of young or vulnerable people to carry out various types of illegal activities.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 also contains a statutory defence for certain victims of slavery or exploitation who commit criminal offences as a direct consequence of that exploitation. Whether the defence under section 45 applies depends on the circumstances and the offence involved, and some serious offences are specifically excluded.

The wide range of offences covered by the Modern Slavery Act 2015 reflect the many insidious ways in which individuals can be exploited, and the Act aims to address these offences and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

What are you legal rights at the time of arrest? 

If you find yourself arrested in connection to a modern slavery offence, it is crucial to remember your legal rights to protect your defence. Always keep in mind:

 

  • You have the right to remain silent; you are not obligated to answer any questions asked by the police, and we would always recommend seeking legal advice before responding to any questions, to ensure that you do not inadvertently say anything that might jeopardise your case.
  • You have the right to free legal representation, and you can either use the duty solicitor available or choose your own solicitor. We recommend using a solicitor with specific knowledge in the area of law relating to the charges against you.
  • Never answer police questions without a solicitor present, again to ensure that you do not say something that might harm your case.

Specialist Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Lawyers

  • 24/7 Availability
  • Proven Success in High Profile Cases
  • Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation

Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Solicitors today.

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What are the penalties for modern slavery act offences? 

Penalties depend on the nature of the offence, ranging from potential imprisonment to fines.

In the United Kingdom, the legal penalties for offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 are robust, and anyone found guilty of this type of offence may face lengthy prison sentences, with a maximum term of life imprisonment in the most serious cases. The severity of the penalty reflects the seriousness of these crimes, but because of the wide range of offences covered under the Act, if you have concerns it is best to take legal advice. At Draycott Browne, we have serious crime legal experts in modern slavery offences who can offer personalised advice in line with the specific charges against you, which carry differing penalties upon conviction.

In addition to imprisonment or fines, the court may impose other orders following conviction. These can include a Slavery and Trafficking Reparation Order requiring compensation to be paid to a victim where the statutory conditions are met.

A Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order may also be imposed where the court considers there is a risk of further slavery or human trafficking offences and the order is necessary to protect others. Confiscation proceedings may separately be brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

When passing a sentence, the judge will also take into account any aggravating or mitigating factors, such as the number of victims, their age, the nature and length of exploitation, and the use of violence or threats.

How are modern slavery charges defended? 

The defence options available to you will vary based on the circumstances of your case. We know that many clients are falsely accused of offences and when this happens, we will investigate the allegations against you and seek to disprove them through a comprehensive examination of the prosecution's case.

If you or your business are linked to an offence, but you were unaware of what was going on, we'll look for evidence demonstrating your lack of involvement. If you accept that you had some involvement with the charges against you, we'll explore the possible defences available, demonstrating a limited role or coercion where applicable. Facing allegations of modern slavery or human trafficking requires a careful examination of your case to build the strongest possible defence. At Draycott Browne, we will consider all the relevant factors, identifying any flaws in the prosecution's case and efficiently gathering additional evidence for your defence.

Legal aid

Unexpected legal fees can come as an expensive surprise. To assist you with the financial cost of defending your name, we can help you apply for legal aid to enable you to focus on what really matters. Our solicitors at Draycott Browne can guide you through the application process so that you have the best chance of receiving the financial assistance you need.

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Contact our Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Defence Solicitors

If you or someone you know has been accused of crime involving modern slavery or human trafficking, it is essential that you engage the expertise of professional criminal solicitors who will be able to help and advise you on a defence strategy as soon as possible. If you would like us to contact you, simply fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.

We are highly regarded nationally across the legal profession and noted for consistently delivering positive results for our clients. Our expert solicitors regularly act for clients in Manchester, Preston, Blackpool, Liverpool, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. As a recognised criminal defence law firm we can represent you wherever you live in England and Wales.

By entrusting one of the top Criminal Defence Firms in the country, you can be assured that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and experienced lawyers who have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of this complex area of law.

Our legal team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need expert legal advice or representation, call us in confidence now.

When you are facing the stiffest challenges, you cannot afford to settle for anything less than Draycott Browne.

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