Sexual Tourism

Offenses Involving Sex Tourism

The practice of sexual tourism consists of travel to distant, usually developing countries, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities with local prostitutes and often with minors or children. Since 1994, this type of activity became prosecutable under US Federal Law and is often enforced by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Officials and even by US Postal Inspectors as well as Department of Justice Officers.

Any charges of sexual tourism abroad will be tried at the Federal Court System level and if they involve sexual activities or pornography with minors then they will be dealt with as felony offenses. The charges are often brought as the engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place as well as travelling in foreign commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Neither of these are light charges and in a recent case a Florida man was facing a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $250,000 file and restitution to the two minor girls he arranged to have sex with on two separate trips.

These cases are not rare and are not without active investigation and prosecution. In fact the ICE launched a program, Operation Predator, in 2003 for the sole purpose of identifying, investigating and arresting child sex offenders including those engaging in Sexual Tourism. To date these agents have arrested over 10,000 individuals under this program alone.

Getting the Legal Counsel You Need

As you can see, these crimes are being very seriously pursued and prosecuted. A conviction for these types of offenses usually carry multi-year sentences and the consequences even after release back into society can haunt you for life. Getting an aggressive Tampa sex crimes lawyer to fight for your rights is critical. Lawyers with experience not only defending cases but in prosecuting them as well. This is an edge and advantage that our team at The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger can bring to you. With many years served in the State Attorney's Office as a prosecutor, Attorney Tim Hessinger knows what the prosecutors will be looking for and how to best defend the weaknesses in your case.

If you are up against this type of sex crime charges then it is imperative that you contact a Tampa sexual tourism attorney without delay. The sooner you act the better your chances are of getting your case dismissed or the charges reduced.