Under Florida law, anyone that engages in or is in any way involved in prostitution could face serious criminal charges and penalties. For instance, this law criminalizes profiting from the prostitution of others, renting space for others to engage in prostitution, soliciting prostitutes, or coercing others to work as prostitutes. These penalties could include prison time, fines, and Sex Offender registration, depending on the facts of the case.
Since Florida prostitution laws are complicated and sometimes change, those facing charges should heavily consider hiring one of our skilled defense Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert for professional help. An experienced Tequesta prostitution Lawyer could help an accused party navigate the legal process and potentially avoid conviction.
What Actions Would be Charged as Prostitution?
Under Florida Statute 796.07, prostitution is defined as giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire. Accordingly, all sexual acts in return for payment are prohibited. Both buyers and sellers of sexual services are prosecuted under this law.
Additionally, an individual could face a prostitution charge for indirectly committing acts involved in prostitution, such as:
- Owning or operating an establishment for prostitution
- Pimping, or agreeing to offer another person to engage in prostitution
- Permitting another person to remain in a building for prostitution
- Transporting someone for prostitution
- Aiding or abetting any act of prostitution
- Inducing another person to engage in prostitution
- Entering a building structure for prostitution
What are the Penalties Following a Prostitution Conviction?
Although prostitution charges carry severe penalties in Tequesta, an Attorney experienced in prostitution cases could help an accused individual get their charges reduced or dismissed. Typically, first and second offenses are classified as Misdemeanors, while third and subsequent offenses are considered Felonies.
Any person convicted of prostitution could face the following penalties:
- Up to a 60-day jail sentence and fines up to $500 for their first offense
- Up to a yearlong jail sentence and fines up to $1,000 for their second offense
- Up to a five-year prison sentence and fines up to $5,000 for their third offense
An individual charged with prostitution may face additional consequences depending on the facts of their case. For instance, an individual convicted of prostitution or a related crime is barred from obtaining certification as a teacher or working in Florida’s education system, as established in Florida Statute 1012.315. Additionally, a person convicted of a prostitution charge involving a minor must register as a Sex Offender in Florida Statute 943.0435.
Potential Defenses Against Prostitution Charges
A prostitution charge does not always result in a conviction. For instance, Florida law prohibits charging minors with prostitution. Consequently, a minor could raise their age as a defense against criminal liability for a prostitution charge. In prostitution cases involving adults, accused parties could argue that no agreement to exchange money for sexual acts ever occurred.
Facts and evidence must support defenses. An experienced Tequesta prostitution Attorney could prepare a defense that results in an acquittal of a person’s case or a dismissal of a person’s charges.
Contact a Tequesta Prostitution Attorney Today
A prostitution conviction can affect a person’s freedom, employment, and reputation. If you are facing prostitution charges, a competent Tequesta prostitution Lawyer could keep you out of jail. Our experienced Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert understand how uncertain the legal process can be. Call today to speak to begin discussing the details your case.
