Call Us Now
470-467-2200
Get Free Consult
Get Free Consult
One assumption is that sex trafficking is rare in the United States. Unfortunately, this is not true. While the true scope of the problem is unknown and many cases go unreported, largely due to the illegal and secretive nature of the trade, it is known that sex trafficking is well-established in the United States. In Atlanta alone, sex trafficking is an industry that generates nearly $300 million annually.
A sting operation targeting sex trafficking was conducted across the United States in 2017 and resulted in over 1,000 arrests, which included a state trooper, a pastor and a convicted sex offender. The group behind the sting, the National Johns Suppression Initiative, said its operations have led to the arrests of nearly 8,000 sex buyers since 2011, according to CNN. Stories like this are a sobering reminder that sex trafficking is a reality in our country and that victims need protection.
At The Stoddard Firm, we provide legal representation to victims of trafficking to bring civil action against traffickers; the hotels, apartments, and massage parlors where the trafficking occurred; any bank that knowingly accepted / laundered the trafficker’s money; and any classified internet advertising website that solicited the trafficking. Contact our Atlanta sex trafficking lawyers today for a free consultation of your case.
It often occurs in illegal settings, such as prostitution rings, but it can also reside in otherwise “legal” operations, such as hotels or parlors. It can also involve third parties that facilitate sex trafficking, such as banks or certain online organizations.
Sex trafficking is essentially a form of slavery, one that involves abuses committed against those who are the most vulnerable. Often, the victims of sex trafficking are minors and immigrants, though people of all ages, genders and other demographics can also be subjected to sex trafficking.
Some populations are more vulnerable to sex trafficking than others. For example, a 2015 report from the State Department stated that populations more vulnerable to trafficking include:
In some cases, children or other victims in the United States are taken to foreign countries for sex trafficking. However, many of these cases happen entirely within our borders. The experiences and backgrounds of sex trafficking victims are varied. But the one thing that all victims have in common is the subjugation of their lives under the control of shameful traffickers. In the United States, we have systems in place and several groups willing to offer assistance to those subjected to sex trafficking. The Stoddard Firm is also here to help.
While safe-harbor laws are designed to protect victims of sex trafficking, too many victims feel too intimidated by traffickers to come forward and seek justice. They have often been subjected to unspeakable physical and emotional abuses. Victims might fear retaliation from their abusers and, in some cases, fear being treated unfairly by authorities.
We are proud to stand up for the rights of our clients and do everything within our abilities to protect them from further suffering and intimidation. For example, we use the initials of clients’ names when possible, to avoid disclosure of their full names. We also put our connections and resources to work for immigrant victims to apply to stay in the country legally through special visa programs.
We know it can be dangerous to pursue traffickers. For that reason, sex trafficking survivors are frequently allowed to stay anonymous in lawsuits, using only initials or pseudonyms in court filings. This allows exploited people to avoid retaliation, maintain their privacy, and guard against possible prosecution for things they may have been forced by a sex trafficker to do. We file anonymity paperwork for survivors along with legal claims.
Our knowledge and experience in this area of the law provides us with the unique opportunity to assist victims of sex trafficking to seek compensation and find protection from traffickers. We understand that victims might be hesitant to come forward about the abuses they have suffered, but we encourage anyone who has been victimized by the abhorrent illegal sex trade in Georgia to reach out to the Stoddard Firm.
Even if you come to us seeking information and are unsure about taking legal action, we offer free consultations at 470-467-2200 so you can better understand your options. Regardless of what legal action you are considering, you should remember that it never hurts to have additional information. To speak to one of our attorneys, reach out to the Stoddard Firm today.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who spent years defending major corporations in serious injury and wrongful death cases before switching sides to fight for families who have lost someone. Known for high-profile wrongful death trials featured on Courtroom View Network, he is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, he works tirelessly to pursue accountability and deliver results for families facing catastrophic loss.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Client Reviews
(Georgia) 
Matthew Stoddard and his staff are wonderful people. This law firm is a no complication type of place. They always answer the phone without the hassle of going through 30 different people and always return emails just as quick as they are received. Thank you gentlemen for everything y’all do.
View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
I can’t express enough how good attorneys Keith Evra and Matthew stoddard are as well as the rest of the firm. They took care of me and my family and did everything they could for us and were professional and amazing at what they do. You can count on them to genuinely make you feel like they care about you and will do everything they can for you. If I could give 500 stars I would. If you are debating to choose them for your representation look no further becuase you won’t find a better firm. They are the best.
I was very proud of my lawyer Keith evra n his professional in my time of pain dealing with my son’s death. I would recommend Keith to anyone who needs legal services
By far a great group to handle such a tremendous and difficult time in our lives, not only do they communicate and explain in detail, but they really care to make this process as easy as possible. I would highly recommend this firm for any of your needs because they really do go above and beyond with blood sweat and tears for their clients
One thing I can truly say about the Stoddard Firm is that they take great initiative in helping their clients. My case and situation took a lot out of me. Mentally, emotionally and even physically. But the Stoddard firm did an amazing job with my case. Shauna and Janine did absolutely amazing with helping me with coping skills and they have great communication. They helped me understand that the process of my case would take some time but that they would do everything in their power to help me differentiate the odds that were against me. Yes the process was time given, but patience is key and at the end everything was successful and I am grateful for them.
Matthew Stoddard and his team of lawyers, including Belle- Anne and the staff, were very professional and caring from the beginning to the end. They were very knowledgeable, always available to answer any questions, and made sure I was always updated. I’m very grateful and highly recommend them.
I contacted the Stoddard Firm and told them about the accident and explained our family’s situation in detail. They took on the case and did a FANTASTIC job. They were very mindful that this was a very heartbreaking situation for all of us. They made certain our entire family was well informed of everything going on throughout the entire process. They were always very polite, very responsive and never got frustrated whenever a situation arose where we didn’t understand something. They were always very patient and explained any questions or concerns we had at all times. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has experienced the unfortunate need to hire an attorney for this type of situation.
When you need a law firm to fight for you, I mean fight for you!! The Stoddard Firm is the answer. My case was a uphill battle. The Stoddard Firm went to war with other side and made it happen. I am ensure that anyone that’s in need of a excellent legal team. Dont waste your time with firms that sell dreams, this firm makes it happen. Thank you Stoddard Firm.
They are client focused and make sure that you are in the loop every step of the way. We worked directly with Matt Stoddard, Keith Evra, & Shauna Thomas and they were accommodating, understanding, and wonderful. They treat their clients with respect and care and genuinely have your best interest at heart. We weren’t treated as just clients, we were treated as family. Their knowledge and experience with law shows and they know exactly what they are doing. This is a top of the line law firm and you will be extremely satisfied when you choose them for your case.
The Stoddard firm did a extraordinary job on my case. Their whole team is very professional, and will go over and beyond to achieve the greatest results so that the customer is satisfied. Thank you again for making me a priority.
Our experience with The Stoddard Firm was great. Everyone helped us navigate through a stressful situation. Professional and compassionate – the firm worked with and for us. Would recommend them to anyone.
The Stoddard firm done an excellent with my son case. They had great open communication and treated you like family. The whole staff was just on point and had great customer service. I want to thank everyone at the Stoddard firm
The Stoddard Firm has been an excellent firm to work with. Everyone there was very professional. I truly appreciate everything that they did to walk me through the process. I know they worked very hard to bring my lawsuit to a favorable conclusion. I especially appreciate Matthew, Janine and Shauna and the dedication to my case.
All the folks at the Stoddard firm were responsive, polite, professional and caring. They handled our case with determination. They handled our family with high regard and respect.
I work with a lot of law firms across the country, and I can say The Stoddard Firm truly cares about all their clients and are invested in seeking justice for them. Their staff is always delightful, and super organized! Class act firm from top to bottom!
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our experienced Atlanta personal injury attorneys will contact you shortly to discuss your case. Call us 678-RESULTS.
Your information will remain confidential and used solely to contact you about your case.
Message Us 
Call Us