Providing or offering any kind of sexual interaction in exchange for compensation is prohibited by the laws of almost every state. Unfortunately, law enforcement authorities and court officials in the Sunshine State may treat people accused of prostitution harshly and without much empathy for whatever circumstances led to the arrest, making it uniquely difficult to effectively contest this type of accusation.
You have the same rights when facing criminal charges for prostitution as you would when facing any other type of criminal allegation, including the right to seek the help of a Bradenton prostitution lawyer. Our team of defense attorneys at Goldman Wetzel will fight tenaciously both in and out of court to ensure this situation has the best possible resolution for you.
Florida Statutes § 796.07 is the section of state law that makes prostitution—as well as other related acts, including soliciting prostitution, promoting or otherwise obtaining financial gain from someone else’s prostitution, and trafficking people for sexual exploitation—unlawful in Bradenton. This statute defines prostitution as the selling or offering of any sexual activity or “lewdness” for compensation, which means it is possible to be charged with and convicted of prostitution even if you did not engage in penetrative sexual intercourse or have any sexual interaction at all with an allegedly paying client.
When someone is convicted of prostitution for the first time, the conviction will be treated as a second-degree misdemeanor, meaning the absolute maximum penalties a court could impose upon them would be a $500 fine and a 60-day jail term. However, repeat offenders will have their charge upgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor or even a third-degree felony, so it is especially important to get help from a skilled Bradenton prostitution attorney if this is not your first time being charged with this type of offense.
To obtain a conviction on charges of prostitution, prosecutors must show beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly and intentionally offered or engaged in a sexual interaction with someone who was not your spouse directly in exchange for money or something else of value. If any single part of that definition is not met, the court cannot convict you. Many successful defense strategies against prostitution charges focus on this. For example, you might demonstrate that there was no agreement for sexual activity to be compensated in any way, or that an admitted exchange of money or goods was not related to a separate sexual encounter.
It is important to know that you cannot be criminally convicted of prostitution if someone else compelled you by actual or threatened force to provide sexual services for compensation. If you have been arrested under these circumstances, a prostitution lawyer in Bradenton can help resolve your criminal case on your behalf and connect you to resources for victims of human trafficking, as well.
Prostitution charges alone can cause tremendous damage to both your personal life and your professional prospects. A criminal conviction could be devastating. However, just because you have been charged with this type of offense does not mean you are guaranteed to be convicted, especially if you have the help of a dedicated legal representative.
Goldman Wetzel is a unique firm where two experienced female lawyers work together on every case. We are here to take the cases that other firms might avoid, including those involving sexual crimes, so call us today to discuss your legal options and learn what a Bradenton prostitution lawyer from our team can do for you.
(727) 828-3900 