Prince George’s County Prostitution Lawyer
Being arrested for prostitution is embarrassing and could lead to a criminal record. However, an arrest does not necessarily result in a conviction. Working with a seasoned criminal attorney to defend yourself could help preserve your reputation.
A Prince George’s County prostitution lawyer could protect you against police overreach and could force the prosecution to prove every element of the charge against you. In many cases, a vigorous defense could result in dropped or reduced charges.
An Explanation of Prostitution Charges
Maryland Criminal Code § 11-301 defines prostitution as knowingly offering a sex act or activity meant to induce sexual gratification for money or something else of value. It is not necessary that a sex act take place or money changes hands. The offer alone is the act of prostitution.
Other acts could also be charged as prostitution. “Assignation” is a crime under the prostitution statute that means making an appointment to meet someone to engage in prostitution. Arranging to get a prostitute for someone else, allowing someone in a building to engage in prostitution, and related activities could all result in prostitution charges.
Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense in Maryland and carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $500 fine. However, penalties for a first offense could be much lighter. If the prosecutor’s evidence is not strong, a skilled Prince George’s County prostitution attorney could arrange a reduced or dismissed charge.
Defending Prostitution Charges
Prostitution is a crime of intent. The prosecutor must prove that the defendant knowingly arranged to exchange sex or another act leading to sexual gratification for money or other value.
Depending on the circumstances, a well-practiced prostitution lawyer in Prince George’s County could offer an alternative explanation for the interaction. Unless there is proof—such as a recording of the parties explicitly arranging to trade sex for money—presenting another meaning to the interaction could raise enough doubt to prevent a conviction.
A proactive legal professional could also investigate police conduct during the investigation. Many prostitution arrests arise from sting operations, and police must obey strict rules to protect suspects’ rights in these situations. If law enforcement officers failed to abide by proper procedures, a motion to dismiss the charges could be successful.
More Serious Charges Related to Prostitution
Arrangements between adults to exchange money for sex are relatively minor crimes, but some prostitution-related offenses carry far more significant penalties. For example, running an establishment where prostitution occurs could lead to a charge with a potential 10-year prison sentence. Receiving the proceeds of prostitution also could lead to up to 10 years in prison.
A prosecutor could bring a human trafficking charge when someone offers another person for prostitution or induces a minor to engage in a sexually explicit manner. When the crime involves a minor, human trafficking charges are felonies with sentences of up to 25 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
In addition to heavy fines and stiff prison sentences, these crimes often require a convicted person to register as a sex offender. A determined prostitution attorney in Prince George’s County could raise all reasonable defenses to avoid this outcome.
A Prince George’s County Prostitution Attorney Is Prepared to Defend Your Case
If you face charges related to prostitution, it is important to engage a dedicated criminal defender immediately. Even a misdemeanor charge could stain your record and have implications on your personal and professional life.
A Prince George’s County prostitution lawyer often defends people just like you in similar proceedings. Call today to get an experienced legal advocate fighting for you.
