Prostitution-related incidents may be treated as serious offenses in Palm Beach Gardens. Legal consequences for a potential conviction may range depending on whether you are facing a Misdemeanor or a Felony charge, but the potential creation of a criminal record—which is typically open to and accessible by the public—may cause you additional stress or embarrassment no matter how severe your legal punishment is.
Consulting one of our skilled criminal defense attorneys could help you assess your legal options and potentially plan a course of action. In the same vein, understanding the various elements of the charge may positively influence your case. Contact a Palm Beach Gardens prostitution defense lawyer with Leifert & Leifert to learn more about your legal rights.
Laws Relating to Prostitution in Palm Beach Gardens
Prostitution is generally barred under Florida Statutes §796.07, which defines this illegal act as “the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.” Additionally, the statute outlaws soliciting or purchasing sexual services from anyone else. In short, Florida law defines prostitution as the performance of sexual services in exchange for compensation (money).
In many cases, prostitution-related offenses can encompass more than the solicitation or purchase of a sexual act. Florida law also bars the following acts related to prostitution:
- Owning or operating a place or building for the purpose of enabling or endorsing prostitution
- Soliciting another person to commit prostitution
- Procuring prostitution for another person
These prostitution-related offenses often hinge on specific facts, such as whether the charged individual knew about the desires of another person to engage in or purchase prostitution. A Palm Beach Gardens prostitution defense attorney could help explain different legal possibilities and advise you on which ones might be applicable to your situation. For more information about the laws regarding prostitution, reach out to a skilled defense lawyer.
Potential Penalties for a Prostitution Conviction
Fla. Stat. §796.07 also highlights potential penalties for prostitution-related offenses. Depending on the circumstances, an act of prostitution in Palm Beach Gardens may be charged as:
- A Second-Degree Misdemeanor for a first violation ( $500 fine + 60 days in Jail )
- A First-Degree Misdemeanor for a second violation ( $1000 fine + one year in Jail )
- A Third-Degree Felony for a third violation and any subsequent offense ( $5000 fine + 5 years in Prison )
Typically, Second-Degree Misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment for up to 60 days, while First-Degree Misdemeanors are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year. Third-Degree Felonies often incur a prison term of up to five years.
In essence, potential legal consequences for prostitution-related offenses may vary depending on the specific facts of a case. As such, you should consult a Palm Beach Gardens prostitution defense lawyer before proceeding to court if you are charged with such an offense.
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Prostitution Attorney
The court system in Palm Beach Gardens can easily become confusing to understand and may cause a person additional stress or frustration. When facing a prostitution charge, your best option may be to schedule a legal consultation with a knowledgeable local attorney.
Work to avoid potential complications by contacting an experienced Palm Beach Gardens prostitution defense lawyer who could examine your case and possibly help establish a credible defense. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert understand that each case is different and may require different techniques to help someone articulate their defense, so call us today to let us assist you with yours.
