Fight Your Prostitution Charge with a Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer
In the state of Florida, prostitution is illegal and considered a criminal offense. If you have been charged with prostitution, you may be worried about the implications that such a charge will have on you, the consequences you will face, and how such a charge will affect your future. If you or someone you know has been arrested for prostitution, seeking the legal counsel of a Miami criminal defense lawyer is in your best interest. With a Miami criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to beat your prostitution charge so that you won’t have to deal with a conviction, probation, or even jail time.
Prostitution in Florida Defined
In the state of Florida, statue 796.07 is titled ‘Prohibiting prostitution and related acts.’ This means that offering or receiving the human body for hire for any sexual act is considered a criminal offense. Under this statute, any of the following acts are considered unlawful:
- Owning, establishing, operating or maintaining a place, building or structure for the intended purpose of sexual lewdness or prostitution
- Offering or agreeing to offer another individual for the intended purpose of prostitution or any other lewd act
- Receiving, to agree to receive or to offer any individual for the purpose of sexual lewdness
- Residing in, entering or staying in any place or building that is intended to be used for the act of prostitution
In other words, you cannot offer, exchange or receive a sex or a sex related activity for money or any other compensation. Further, it is illegal to be in the presence of a location where such activities are offered. If you do, and you are caught, you could be charged with prostitution.
Penalties for Prostitution
In the state of Florida, the penalties for prostitution vary and are dependent on the number of prior convictions you have had in the past. The penalties for prostitution can include:
- A jail term
- Monetary fines
- Probation
- STD screenings
- AIDS awareness training
The more previous convictions you have, or the more severe the crime (receiving sexual services from minors or forcing someone to engage in prostitution,) the more severe the penalties will be.
Whether it is your first offense or you have been convicted previously, the legal counsel of a Miami criminal defense lawyer is vital. With a criminal defense law firm behind you, you can ensure that you will know your rights, options, the best possible outcome for the charges you are facing.
We handle a variety of criminal law cases, so call us now if you have any questions, (305) 615-1285.
View more contact information here: Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer.