McLean Prostitution Lawyer

Offering, purchasing, and engaging in sex for money constitutes a crime under state law. If you are facing these charges, you should contact a McLean prostitution lawyer for advice on your case.

Facing any criminal charges can be a stressful experience, and prostitution charges can be highly damaging to your reputation and career. Avoiding a conviction may be necessary to preserve your professional license, job, and future. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you could explore your legal options and decide on the best course of action in your case.

What Do Prostitution Charges Entail?

Under Virginia Code §18.2-346, prostitution occurs when someone engages in sexual intercourse or other related activities in exchange for money or anything of value. It is important to note that someone cannot face these charges unless they take a substantial step in furtherance of the transaction. Therefore, a mere offer to provide sex for money is likely insufficient to support these charges.

Some examples of actions that may constitute significant steps to carry out a  sexual transaction include:

• Taking money from others in anticipation of sex acts
• Getting into a vehicle with others to travel to another location to carry out the transaction
• Accompanying others to withdraw cash to pay for the proposed sex acts
• Giving others directions to a place to carry out the sex acts

State law also defines solicitation of prostitution, which is requesting others to provide sexual acts in exchange for money. Similarly, solicitation requires individuals to take some significant step toward the completion of the transaction to commit the crime. When facing prostitution charges, consulting a lawyer in McLean may be beneficial.

Potential Sanctions for Prostitution

Exchanging money for sex is Class 1 misdemeanor under state law. A conviction for this type of offense may result in a maximum one-year jail sentence and $2,500 fine.

Offenses related to prostitution are primarily misdemeanors. However, the presence of violence, force, or minors can elevate these offenses to felonies. As the penalties for these offenses may be harsh in McLean, an accused individual should seek an attorney to learn about their options for resolving the prostitution charges against them.

Related Offenses to Prostitution

State law provides for other various criminal offenses that involve sex in exchange for something of value. For instance, individuals who take, attempt to take, or otherwise assist in securing individuals to commit prostitution violates Va. Code §18.2-348.  This offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, but it can increase to a Class 6 felony if it involves parties who are under the age of 18.

Under Va. Code §18.2-349, individuals may not use a vehicle to carry out or assist in the exchange of money for sex. However, to violate this law, individuals must have good reason to know that their actions may result in unlawful sexual acts. Although this offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor, it may become a Class 6 felony if it involves minors.

A more severe related offense involves human trafficking for sexual transactions. Under Va. Code §18.2-355, individuals who persuade, encourage, or force others to enter into prostitution may face Class 4 felony charges. If the offense involves minors, then the crime becomes a Class 3 felony charge.

Retain a McLean Prostitution Attorney

Even if money never changes hands and sexual activities never occur, you still could face prostitution charges under state law. Therefore, individuals who allegedly attempt to commit prostitution can face the same charges as those who complete the transaction. As a result, getting the advice of a McLean prostitution lawyer may be highly advantageous to you.

Working with legal counsel may be the most effective means of avoiding the damaging implications of a conviction. Without legal advice, you may be unable to protect your rights and achieve your desired outcome. To get started on your case, call today.