Hanover Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution is considered illegal most places in this country, and Hanover is no exception. What many people do not realize, however, is that if you are implicated in connection with alleged prostitution, only a slight action may provide grounds for conviction. Moreover, prostitution offenses may be prosecuted as felonies.

Even if the offense is treated as a misdemeanor, however, the ramifications may still take a serious toll on your personal and professional life. So it is wise for anyone facing charges in connection with prostitution to consult a knowledgeable Hanover prostitution lawyer as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney who understands how local courts treat prostitution offenses could advise you of how to best protect your rights while you work toward a positive solution.

Penalties for Prostitution Offenses

While prostitution is treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor, solicitation of prostitution may be treated as a Class 5 or 6 felony. If someone solicits a minor, the offense becomes a felony, and the severity depends on the age of the minor involved. If solicitation of prostitution involves an adult, the crime is treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

In prostitution and solicitation cases, those convicted may be fined up to $2,500 and may also be subject to incarceration. The maximum sentence for those convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor is one year of imprisonment. For a class 6 misdemeanor, the maximum sentence is five years in prison and that maximum doubles to ten years for a Class 5 misdemeanor.

Prostitution Crimes

State lawmakers have enacted numerous statutes prohibiting different types of activity connected with prostitution, which is also referred to as commercial sexual conduct. In particular, conduct which potentially contributes to human trafficking is penalized very severely.

Va. Code Ann. §18.2-346 defines the basic offenses of prostitution and solicitation of prostitution. Essentially, the offenses involve performing, offering to perform, or asking for sexual intercourse or oral sex for money. The way the statute is written, if someone offers or asks for sex in exchange for money, they may be convicted of a violation even if sex never occurs. All that is necessary for a conviction is one “substantial act in furtherance” of prostitution.

Other prostitution crimes that may be charged include:

  • Keeping or frequenting a “bawdy place”/place of prostitution (Class 1 misdemeanor)
  • Aiding prostitution (Class 1 misdemeanor)
  • Using vehicles to promote prostitution (Class 1 misdemeanor)
  • Taking or detaining a person for prostitution/human trafficking (Class 3 or 4 felony)
  • Receiving money for procuring a person for prostitution (Class 3 or 4 felony)
  • Receiving money from earnings of prostitutes (Class 3 or 4 felony)
  • Commercial sex trafficking (Class 3, 4, or 5 felony)

In most cases, the severity of the crime increases if minors are involved. The use of force, threat or intimidation may also increase the severity of an offense.

Reach Out to a Hanover Prostitution Attorney

A conviction or even a criminal charge involving prostitution can have disastrous effects on your life. However, there are many defense strategies that may prove successful depending on the circumstances.

To build the strongest defense, it is usually wise to collect evidence as soon as possible. A Hanover prostitution lawyer could assist in the process. Moreover, a knowledgeable attorney could advocate on your behalf throughout the process to help reach a positive outcome. To get started on your defense, call now to set up a consultation.