Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Human Trafficking Allegations in Chicago and Illinois Law
Chicago’s reputation as one of the busiest transportation hubs in the United States makes it a prime target for federal law enforcement investigating human trafficking cases. Between O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, and an extensive highway system connecting Illinois to neighboring states, the city is often portrayed as a focal point for federal task forces. This geographic reality places residents of Chicago and surrounding communities at risk of facing aggressive investigations when even loosely connected to allegations of trafficking.
Illinois criminal law distinguishes between misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors typically carry less than one year of incarceration, while felonies carry longer prison terms and more severe collateral consequences. Human trafficking under Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/10-9 is always a felony and is classified at the highest level—Class X. At the federal level, human trafficking charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1591 carry mandatory minimum prison terms of ten or fifteen years depending on circumstances, and the maximum penalty is life imprisonment. These penalties reflect the federal government’s intent to treat trafficking on the same level as violent felonies such as armed robbery or kidnapping.
