# W. Va. Code § 61-14-8: Immunity for minor victim of sex trafficking

> West Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S8

## Section

- **Citation:** W. Va. Code § 61-14-8
- **Heading:** Immunity for minor victim of sex trafficking
- **Jurisdiction:** West Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** WV Code / Chapter 61 / Article 14 / Section 8

## Text

(a) In a prosecution or a juvenile prosecution for an offense of prostitution in violation of §61-8-5(b) of this code, a minor shall not be held criminally liable if the court determines that the minor is a victim of an offense under this article: Provided , That subject to proof, a minor so charged shall be rebuttably presumed to be a victim under the provisions of this article.

(b) This section does not apply in a prosecution or a juvenile proceeding for any of the other offenses under §61-8-5(b) of this code, including specifically soliciting, inducing, enticing, or procuring another to commit an act or offense of prostitution, unless it is determined by the court that the minor was coerced into the criminal behavior.

(c) A minor who, under subsection (a) or (b) of this section, is not subject to criminal liability or adjudication as a juvenile delinquent is presumed to be an abused child, as defined in §49-1-201 of this code, and may be eligible for services under chapter 49 of this code including, but not limited to, appropriate child welfare services including, but not limited to, comprehensive trauma-informed services that are specialized to the needs of child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation or child sex trafficking victims.

## Nearby sections

- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-1 §61-14-1. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S1.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-2 §61-14-2. Human trafficking of an individual; aiding and abetting human trafficking; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S2.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-3 §61-14-3. Use of forced labor; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S3.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-4 §61-14-4. Use of persons in debt bondage; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S4.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-5 §61-14-5. Sexual servitude; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S5.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-6 §61-14-6. Patronizing a victim of sexual servitude; penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S6.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-7 §61-14-7. General provisions and other penalties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S7.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-8 §61-14-8. Immunity for minor victim of sex trafficking.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S8.md)
- [W. Va. Code § 61-14-9 §61-14-9. Petition to vacate and expunge conviction or juvenile delinquency adjudication of sex trafficking victim.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WV_C61_A14_S8. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.