NoVa Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution occurs when a person knowingly provides sexual favors for cash or some other form of compensation. In this state, both the solicitor and the prostitute are liable for criminal charges.

Punishments for this type of offense may include jail time, fines, and lifelong social consequences that a person may face when they carry the conviction on their permanent record. If you have been accused of exchanging sex for money, contact a NoVa prostitution lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. Our skilled criminal defense team could help you prepare your case and minimize any potential penalties you may be facing.

What to Expect from Prostitution Charges

Under Virginia Revised Statute § 18.2-346, if an individual performs sexual favors for payment, whether cash or some other form, they could face conviction for prostitution charges. When a court finds a person guilty of prostitution, they face the possibility of a Class 1 misdemeanor, fines of up to $2,500, and up to 12 months in jail.

In this state, the mere offer of sexual services for money is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Anyone who faces suspicion of prostitution charges should contact an attorney in NoVa to discuss the details of their case. There are other prostitution-related charges an individual may face.

Aiding Prostitution

Aiding in prostitution is knowingly transporting anyone for the purpose of illegal sexual transactions. An officer may also issue these charges for providing information about how or where to receive these services. If the court finds any person guilty of aiding in prostitution, they could face up to 12 months in jail, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and up to $2,500 in fines.

Promoting Prostitution Using Vehicles

A police officer can charge an individual with using their motor vehicle for the purposes of prostitution if they can prove the person knew or had reason to believe someone was using their car to promote the act of prostitution. If a court finds an individual guilty of these charges, they face a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Bawdy Places

The court defines a bawdy place as any location that someone may use for the purpose of exchanging sex for money. If the court finds an individual guilty of prostitution in bawdy or indecent places, this is a significant crime that may lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor and could result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines up to $2,500.

Pimping or Pandering

The crime of pimping or pandering is the only crime related to non-violent prostitution that carries a minimum jail sentence. The minimum prison sentence if the court finds a person guilty of pimping is two years. Anyone facing these serious charges should contact a NoVa lawyer right away to go over the details of their prostitution case and begin preparing the best defense possible.

Entrapment as a Defense for Prostitution

If someone in law enforcement persuades another to commit a prostitution-related offense that they otherwise would not commit, this person may be able to avoid conviction by proving entrapment. The goal of entrapment as a defense is to discourage overzealous police officers from misleading citizens into participating in something illegal in which they would not otherwise participate. Anyone who believes they face prostitution charges because of entrapment should contact a NoVa lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a NoVa Prostitution Attorney Today

Being accused of trading sex for money is a serious situation and should be be handled by just any legal professional. Without the help of a skillful NoVa prostitution lawyer to assist in handling your defense, you could face life-altering consequences. Contact one of our highly experienced sex crimes attorneys today to schedule a consultation and discuss the details of your case.