Charles County Prostitution Lawyer
Prostitution continues to be illegal throughout the U.S. Likewise, solicitation of prostitution, or offering money for sex acts, is illegal under state law. As the outcome of prostitution and related charges often have significantly adverse effects on your life, a Charles County prostitution lawyer may be able to aid in your defense.
Although the maximum penalties for a prostitution conviction are not severe, they still could include incarceration. More importantly, a prostitution conviction would result in a permanent criminal record that could affect your career, housing, and other opportunities in the future. Enlisting the help of a criminal defense lawyer could be critical in avoiding or reducing the risk of some or all these unwanted consequences.
Prostitution Charges in Charles County
Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-301 defines prostitution as the performance of sexual acts, contact, or intercourse for hire, or in exchange for money or something of value. Under Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-303, intentionally engaging in prostitution is a criminal offense. Furthermore, occupying a building, structure, or vehicle for prostitution violates this code section.
Like prostitution, assignation is an illegal act. Assignation refers to arranging to receive prostitution services or taking any action to carry out an appointment or arrangements for prostitution. Additionally, Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-302 allows individuals charged with prostitution or assignation to face charges for other crimes that occur in conjunction with these offenses.
Both prostitution and assignation are misdemeanor offenses, but there is no statute of limitations on these charges. As a result, prosecutors could file charges for these crimes even years after they occur. A conviction for misdemeanor prostitution or assignation could result in up to one year in jail and a fine of $500. Examples of this crime could include:
- The exchange of cash for “services”
- Responding to online ads
As a prostitution conviction could carry a risk of incarceration and a permanent criminal record, individuals may wish to consult a prostitution attorney in Charles County for advice.
Pimping and Profiting from the Sex Acts of Others
As a Charles County attorney can further explain, Maryland law establishes various other criminal offenses related to prostitution. For example, Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-304 prohibits individuals from pimping or profiting from prostitution. To commit this offense, individuals either must have the intent to promote or profit from prostitution or related crimes or to conceal the proceeds of prostitution or similar crimes.
Pimping also is a misdemeanor offense under this code section, but it has far more severe penalties than prostitution or assignation. A pimping conviction could result in up to ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Solicitation and Related Charges
Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-306 outlines solicitation of prostitution or assignation, which also is a criminal offense. This code section prohibits individuals from knowingly procuring or soliciting, or offering to acquire or solicit, prostitution or assignation. Solicitation also is a misdemeanor offense that carries the potential for up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
Similarly, Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-307 makes it illegal for individuals to intentionally allow or agree for others to use a structure or vehicle that they own for prostitution or assignation. Individuals also may not set up or maintain a structure or vehicle for these purposes. As a prostitution attorney in Charles County may advise, any violation of this code section is a misdemeanor that could result in a jail sentence of up to one year and a $500 fine.
Contact a Charles County Prostitution Attorney for Advice
If you are facing accusations of prostitution or a related crime, you could end up with unwanted and adverse consequences. Although the charges typically are misdemeanors, they could still have unanticipated repercussions for your family, your job, and your future career aspirations. A Charles County prostitution lawyer may be able to advocate on your behalf and reach a less damaging resolution in your case.
You have critical rights when charged with a crime that only legal counsel may be able to safeguard. Legal representation could help ensure that police do not violate your rights and that you have the benefit of fair and reasonable court proceedings. With a reliable legal representative on your side, you may be able to reach a better result in your case. Call now.
