When facing a prostitution charge, you might grossly underestimate the penalties that you can face. The state takes prostitution charges seriously, regardless of the circumstances, and a conviction may have a significant impact on your future. Avoid or minimize the potential for a conviction by contacting a Deerfield Beach prostitution Lawyer today.
One of our experienced criminal Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert may be able to help you build the defense that is most effective for your situation. Working with legal counsel may be the best way to both protect your rights and reach a more favorable outcome in your case. Call today to schedule a consultation.
How Does the Law Define Prostitution in Deerfield Beach?
Fla. Stat. § 796.07 defines prostitution as the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire. As a prostitution Lawyer in Deerfield Beach may explain, this statute makes it illegal for anyone to:
- Own, maintain or establish a place or vehicle for prostitution
- Offer, or offer or agree to secure another for prostitution
- Receive, offer or agree to receive, or allow to remain, anyone into a place or vehicle for prostitution
- Direct, take, or transport others, or offer or agree to do so, to a place or another person with the knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that it is for prostitution
Likewise, it is illegal for any adult over the age of 18 to commit or engage in prostitution or solicit or persuade another to engage in prostitution. This section also outlaws remaining in a place or vehicle for prostitution or purchasing prostitution services. Finally, this section makes it a criminal offense to help or assist others involved in any of these prostitution-related acts.
What are the Penalties for Prostitution Under State Law?
A first prostitution violation is a second-degree Misdemeanor under state law, which can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Another violation can result in first-degree Misdemeanor charges. A conviction for a first-degree Misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Three or more violations of this section can lead to third-degree Felony charges, which may make representation by a prostitution Attorney in Deerfield Beach even more critical. The possible punishments for a third-degree Felony conviction can include up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Additionally, individuals charged with this offense will have the opportunity to participate in a pretrial intervention program or substance abuse treatment program.
If the offense involves soliciting, causing, or persuading another to engage in prostitution, however, the possible sanctions are more severe. A first offense is a first-degree Misdemeanor, a second offense is a third-degree Felony, and a third or subsequent offense is a second-degree Felony, which can result in up to 15 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail. Other potential penalties for this offense may include 100 hours of community service, completion of a sexual violence prevention education program, and vehicle impoundment or immobilization.
Prostitution-Related Criminal Offenses
The state statute that concerns prostitution also deals with the same actions pertaining to assignation and lewdness. Assignation occurs when individuals make an appointment or other arrangements for prostitution or lewdness or take any action in furtherance of prostitution or lewdness. Lewdness refers to any obscene or indecent act.
The penalties for offenses involving assignation or lewdness are the same as those for prostitution. Therefore, people who offer prostitution services face the same potential punishment for those people who utilize prostitution services.
Call a Deerfield Beach Prostitution Attorney for Advice
Whether your involvement in prostitution is direct or indirect, you could face severe consequences for a prostitution conviction. Damage to your reputation, loss of your career, and incarceration all are realistic possibilities when facing a prostitution charge. A Deerfield Beach prostitution Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert may be able to assist you in defending yourself against prostitution and related charges.
No matter how minimal your role may be in a prostitution scheme, you may be subject to the same penalties as if you had participated in the act of prostitution. Any assistance that you knowingly offer anyone in facilitating an act of prostitution can lead to a criminal conviction that will appear on your record indefinitely. As a result, avoiding some or all these penalties can be critical to safeguarding your personal and professional life.
