If you or a loved one has been arrested on a prostitution charge, you should speak with an experienced prostitution lawyer right away. Whether you are accused of offering sexual acts in exchange for money or something else of value, or if you are accused of purchasing a sex act, (otherwise known as solicitation), you will face criminal charges. Many prostitution charges are misdemeanors. However, the consequences can result in high fines and incarceration.
Fines for Prostitution
If you are convicted of prostitution, you will likely be fined and required to pay various court costs. The maximum fine depends on your state law and county court rules. Some states have relatively low fines. For example, a first-time prostitution offense in South Carolina can be fined up to $200. Other states have much higher fines, such as $1,000 or $2,000 for a first offense. Subsequent prostitution convictions will result in higher fines.
Also, other prostitution-related crimes may result in higher fines. If you are charged with solicitation of prostitution, promoting prostitution, or running a brothel or prostitution ring, you can face more serious charges that result in much higher fines.
Incarceration for Prostitution
Prostitution convictions may result in jail time. The minimum and maximum duration of your time behind bars depends on state law. In some states, like Texas, you face a brief period of incarceration. For a first offense in Texas, you can be jailed for up to 180 days. In other states, like Illinois and Indiana, you face up to one year in jail.
Other prostitution offenses may be more harshly punished. For example, promotion of prostitution is often a higher offense than prostitution or solicitation. You may face more than a year in jail for this crime, however, it depends on your state law and how prostitution-related crimes are charged.
Community-Based Consequences
The consequences of a prostitution conviction can involve much more than fines and jail time. You need to speak with a local prostitution lawyer regarding your state’s possible penalties. In some areas, you may be required to go through electronic monitoring and/or home arrest in place of incarceration. You might be required to abide by the rules of probation for weeks or months after you complete your sentence. Other potential penalties include community service and classes regarding the impact of prostitution.
Sex Offender Registration
Most states do not consider prostitution a sex crime that requires sex offender registration upon conviction. However, in at least six states, some prostitution-related offenses can lead to a registration requirement. This would mean your name, photo, home address, and conviction information would be made public. Anyone can look up the information online, which can lead to tremendous stigma.
If you are charged with certain prostitution offenses in Alabama, Kansas, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, or West Virginia, you should speak with a prostitution lawyer immediately. You need to present a strong defense to avoid a conviction and registration.
Prostitution Involving a Minor
If you are charged with a prostitution-related offense involving a minor, you are much more likely to face felony charges. Instead of fines and a brief period of jail time, you are more likely to face months or years in prison and sex offender registration. For felony prostitution charges, you should contact a criminal defense attorney for help.
Federal Prostitution Conviction Consequences
Prostitution charges are typically left up to the individual states. However, if you are accused of being involved in a prostitution ring that crosses state or national borders, you may be charged with human trafficking. You also may face charges for being involved in prostitution on a military base.
If you are charged with human trafficking under federal law due to prostitution-related acts, call an attorney immediately. Human and sex trafficking under federal law is taken very seriously. If you are convicted, you face high fines and years of imprisonment.
Talk With a Prostitution Lawyer
If you have been arrested for prostitution or a related offense, it is essential that you speak with a criminal defense lawyer experienced in handling prostitution cases. By working with an attorney right away, you are in a better position to protect your rights during the investigation. Your prostitution attorney will also prepare you for the possible consequences of a conviction based on your state’s law.
