Caroline County Prostitution Lawyer
In Caroline County, there are many laws related to prostitution, and the courts and law enforcement generally treat violations seriously. If you have been investigated and arrested for an alleged prostitution charge, you might feel both panicked and incredulous.
A person in Caroline County who is convicted of prostitution and other related crimes may be saddled with weighty fines, as well as jail time. However, a Caroline County prostitution lawyer may be a beneficial advocate for you during this upsetting time. A tenacious criminal attorney could answer your questions and work tirelessly to pursue the best outcome under the circumstances.
What Constitutes Prostitution
Prostitution, as defined by the Code of Virginia § 18.2-346, is committing a sexual act in exchange for money or its equivalent. It is punishable as a Class I misdemeanor. As has been proscribed by the Code of Virginia §18.2-11, a conviction for a Class I misdemeanor may result in up to one year in jail, as well as a fine of $2,500.
A Caroline County prostitution attorney may be able to defend a client who asserts that they were forced into committing the unlawful act. The lawyer may raise this issue with the Caroline County court.
Transporting or Aiding Prostitutes in Caroline County
There are several prostitution statutes in Caroline County that relation to transportation. Moreover, individuals who are determined to have aided in the sex trade may face criminal charges also with those who traded sex for money or valuables.
Promoting Travel for Prostitution
It is unlawful in Caroline County to promote travel for the purpose of prostitution. As has been codified in the Code of Virginia § 18.2-348.1, those who knowingly promote trips for the purpose of trading sex for valuables, in the capacity of a travel agent or otherwise, may face Class I misdemeanor charges.
Using Vehicles to Promote Prostitution
Per the Code of Virginia § 18.2-349, it is against the law to use a car, limousine, or other form of transportation to drive prostitutes to a location where a trade of sex for money, or the equivalent, will occur. A charge for using vehicles to promote prostitution is generally a Class I misdemeanor, but it may be a Class VI felony, if minors are involved.
Bawdy Places for Prostitution
The owners of buildings and their landlords may be indicted for operating a prostitution business if they know or should know about the unlawful activity that is happening within its walls. Per the Code of Virginia §18.2-347, it is illegal to keep, reside in, or frequent a bawdy place in Caroline County.
Per the statute, a bawdy place is defined as a building that is used for lewdness, assignation, or prostitution either within or outside its walls. Whether a building should be considered bawdy may need to be proven by a Caroline County prosecutor. However, a prostitution attorney in Caroline County may be able to rebut the argument that the structure in question was a bawdy place.
Contact a Caroline County Prostitution Attorney Today
Caroline County law enforcement and the courts generally take prostitution and related offenses gravely, especially if there are minors involved. Although some charges involving the sex trade are misdemeanors, a conviction on those charges could still lead to jail time under certain circumstances.
If you have been indicted for committing an act of prostitution or a related offense, it may be wise to contact an attorney immediately. A Caroline County prostitution lawyer may be able to defend you persuasively, so that this harrowing ordeal ends with a positive outcome.
