Florida prostitution charges can apply to anyone who engages in prostitution itself or in furthering prostitution services. Penalties can be severe and include spending time in jail or prison and paying significant fines.
If you have been charged with prostitution or another offense related to prostitution, contact a Plantation prostitution lawyer who understands the laws, and can negotiate effectively with local prosecutors and protect your rights. Retain the services of an experienced defense attorney that can advocate for you.
How Does the Law Define Prostitution?
According to Florida Statutes Section 796.07, prostitution is simply defined as giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.
However, the term sexual activity has several meanings, including oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another; anal or vaginal penetration of another by any other object; or the handling or fondling of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation.
Prostitution Related Criminal Offenses
Essentially, Florida makes many types of activities related to prostitution illegal. While it is against the law to participate in prostitution, it is also against the law to:
- Provide a space for the purpose of prostitution
- Solicit for prostitution – meaning acting to persuade or convince another person to participate in prostitution
- Purchase of prostitution services
- Operate a service offering prostitution
- Engage in procurement – also referred to as pandering or pimping, this involves persuading or hiring others into engaging in prostitution services with other people
Penalties for Conviction
Penalties for Florida prostitution convictions can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on a person’s criminal history with prostitution.
- First offenses: First Florida prostitution offenses are generally considered second-degree misdemeanors, which can result in spending up to 60 days in jail, paying fines of up to $5,000, or both
- Second offenses: Second Florida prostitution offenses are generally considered first-degree misdemeanors, which can result spending up to one year in jail, paying fines of up to $5,000, or both
- Third and Subsequent Offenses: Third and subsequent Florida prostitution offenses are generally considered felonies, which can result in spending up to five years in prison and paying fines of up to $5,000
It is important to keep in mind that prostitution offenses which involve procurement of someone who is under 18 years of age can result in second-degree felony charges which can result in spending up to 15 years in prison, paying fines of up to $10,000, or both.
What are Some Potential Defense Against a Prostitution Charge?
There are two specific defenses to Florida prostitution charges, including that the sexual activity was not conducted for hire or that a person was entrapped (set up) by undercover Florida law enforcement officers.
An experienced Plantation prostitution lawyer can evaluate the situation and determine what legal defenses might apply.
Contact a Plantation Prostitution Attorney for Guidance
If you have been charged with committing prostitution or with being connected to prostitution in any way, do not face those charges alone; contact an experienced Plantation prostitution lawyer for help.
Make sure you explore all of the legal defenses and options available to you, as it may be possible to have the charges against you dismissed or mitigated through a plea bargain.
