Offering sexual services of any kind in exchange for compensation or consideration is illegal in Florida, as it is in nearly every US state. Different states have varied approaches to prosecuting those charged with prostitution, and not all states impose or even allow the same types of penalties against convicted individuals.
If you have been formally charged with prostitution in Florida or suspect you soon will be, you should prioritize speaking with and retaining a qualified St. Petersburg prostitution lawyer as soon as possible. These kinds of cases can be uniquely tricky on both legal and personal levels, and the support of a compassionate defense attorney with extensive litigation experience can be key to effectively enforcing your rights and securing a favorable case resolution.
What Are the Penalties for a Prostitution Conviction?
According to Florida Statutes § 796.07, someone commits the act of prostitution if they offer, provide, or agree to provide sexual activity for money or anything else of value. In this context, sexual activity includes not only penetrative sexual intercourse, but also oral sex, penetration of the anus or genitals with any object or part of the body other than the genitals, and sexual contact for the purposes of masturbation.
For first-time offenders, prostitution, as defined by this statute, is a second-degree misdemeanor, meaning the maximum penalty a court could impose upon conviction would be a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. However, a second conviction for prostitution—regardless of how much time has passed since the first conviction—is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and a year in jail.
Finally, third and subsequent prostitution convictions are treated as third-degree felonies, carrying maximum penalties of $5,000 in fines and five years in prison. It is worth reiterating, though, that these are the maximum possible penalties allowed under state law. If you are facing a sexual services conviction, an attorney from our St. Petersburg firm can help protect your best interests by arguing for more lenient sentences or, in many situations, alternative sanctions.
Soliciting another person to commit prostitution is punished more heavily. A first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor that also carries a $5,000 civil penalty and 100 hours of community service, and repeat offenses are felonies. Our Florida prostitution and solicitation lawyer page covers those penalties.
Enhanced Sentences for Promoting or Profiting From Prostitution
Support from legal counsel can be even more important if you are facing allegations that you acted as a pimp by offering to provide prostitution services to another person, financially benefiting from someone else’s performance of such services, or directing or transporting someone to provide such services. Depending on what you specifically stand accused of doing and what benefits you allegedly derived from it, you may face sanctions at either the misdemeanor or felony level upon conviction.
However, conduct that involves coercion or a minor is prosecuted under Florida’s human trafficking law. Coercing an adult into commercial sexual activity is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Commercial sexual activity involving a minor is a life felony. A defense lawyer experienced with these offenses in St. Petersburg can explain this further to you.
Contact a St. Petersburg Prostitution Attorney for Legal Support
Local law enforcement authorities and court officials sometimes treat people accused of prostitution as harshly as if they had committed a violent offense. Even without that kind of treatment, going through the court system after being arrested on this kind of charge can be a uniquely intimidating experience, especially if you are on your own.
Fortunately, you can choose a St. Petersburg prostitution lawyer from our firm to support you throughout the legal process. We do not turn away a case because of the charge and will support you for the duration of your legal proceedings. Call today to learn more. For other charges, see our Florida sex crimes lawyer page.