In the eyes of Florida law, prostitution is illegal, and violating this law can carry hefty penalties, even for first offenses. Many jurisdictions in the state have been cracking down on prostitution-related activities recently and are looking to come down hard on violators to set an example and deter future offenders.
If you are charged with prostitution, it is critical that you protect your rights by working with one of our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. What constitutes prostitution and who should ultimately be responsible are not black and white answers and depends on many nuanced factors. A Sunrise prostitution Lawyer is on your side, can serve as a critical resource, and will fight for your rights.
Definition of Prostitution in Florida
Florida Statute § 796.07 defines prostitution as the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for payment. However, the statute also extends to several other activities, including lewdness, assignation, and sexual activity. The statute lists various actions that are punishable under the law relating to these activities, including, among others:
- Owning or operating a building for lewdness, assignation, or prostitution
- Offering prostitution or for any lewd or indecent act
- Receive any person into any building, for the purpose of prostitution, lewdness, or assignation
- Transporting a person with knowledge or reasonable belief that the purpose is prostitution, lewdness, or assignation
- To solicit or procure another to commit prostitution, lewdness, or assignation
- To purchase the services of a person engaged in prostitution
- To aid or participate in these acts
What is the Punishment for Prostitution?
Generally, the severity of a prostitution charge depends on the number of prior convictions a person has. Under §796.07(4), a first violation carries with it a charge for a Misdemeanor in the second degree, which comes with a fine or court costs and up to 60 days in jail with most offenders receive six-month probation for STD testing and AIDS training. A second violation carries a charge of a Misdemeanor in the first degree, up to one year in jail, with most offenders receive 12-month probation. Three or more violations is a Felony in the third degree, which carries a prison and probation sentence of up to five years and a $5,000 fine plus court costs.
Florida understands that prostitution is often linked to drug addiction and enacted §796.07(4)(b) of the Florida statute, which offers repeat violators alternative sentencing. Rather than face a five-year sentence, a person has the opportunity to participate in a substance abuse treatment program.
A Sunrise Prostitution Attorney is Standing By – Reach Out Today for a Consultation
If you have been arrested for prostitution, as prosecutors, courts, and politicians might want to make an example of you. You should have someone on your side who will fight for you and stand up for your interests. A skilled Sunrise prostitution Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert will work with you to present your case in the best way possible and will defend your rights, so schedule a consultation to discuss your options. You do not have time to waste.
