Loudoun County Prostitution Lawyer
Being accused of selling or offering to sell or solicit sexual services can result in substantial consequences in both the short and long term. While Virginia law classifies this offense as a misdemeanor, which is not as severe as any felony-level offense, the personal and professional repercussions of a conviction can often linger far longer than any jail time or fines that the court imposes.
Help is available from a highly experienced Loudoun County prostitution or solicitation lawyer for anyone facing a criminal charge of this nature. From initial investigations by law enforcement to the final verdict passed down by a judge or jury, and subsequent sentencing upon conviction, your dedicated criminal defense attorney could advocate for your rights and help to prevent and mitigate any damage to your personal reputation and professional future.
What Counts as Prostitution Under State Law?
According to Virginia Code §18.2-346, a person commits the crime of prostitution if they agree to engage in any one of several specific acts of sexual contact or intercourse with another person in exchange for money, or it’s equivalent. This offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means a conviction could result in maximum sanctions of one year in county jail and/or $2,500 in fines.
Importantly, the proposed sexual act that is connected to an exchange of something of value does not have to actually occur in order for the provider of sexual services to be convicted of prostitution, nor does the monetary exchange. Anyone who attempts to engage in prostitution may be convicted under this section of state law and face the same penalties as someone convicted of actually engaging in prostitution, as a Loudoun County prostitution attorney could explain in more detail.
Prostitution-Related Offenses in Loudoun County
In addition to the actual act of trading sexual services for something of value, state law also criminalizes a number of distinct actions that someone may perform in order to facilitate prostitution or derive financial benefit from it. For example, VA Code § 18.2-348 and 18.2-349 make it a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone to knowingly provide or offer transportation to someone else in service of procuring a prostitute, and to use a motor vehicle to promote any kind of unlawful sexual intercourse. Likewise, it is a Class 4 felony under VA Code § 18.2-356 and 18.2-357 for anyone to receive money in exchange for procuring a prostitute for someone else or to knowingly receive money derived from earnings that a prostitute acquired through prostitution.
Furthermore, all of these offenses become more severe by a factor of one degree of classification if the person involved is under 18 years old. An example would be using a motor vehicle to promote prostitution, which becomes a Class 6 felony, and receiving money derived from prostitution becoming a Class 3 felony. A person should get assistance from a qualified lawyer in order to effectively fight against these kinds of prostitution-related allegations in Loudoun County.
Consider Working with a Loudoun County Prostitution Defense Attorney
Prostitution charges can be difficult to overcome, both in terms of criminal prosecution and the damage they can do to your reputation outside of court. Fortunately, experienced legal counsel could help in both regards. We could work diligently to enforce your rights in court while also minimizing the effects of the allegations on your personal and professional life.
A conversation with a Loudoun County prostitution lawyer could provide the information you need to mount a successful defense in court. Call today to schedule a free consultation of your case.
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