How long do prostitutes go to jail

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Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Market Your Law Firm. Lawyer Directory. Call us at 1 Solicitation of Prostitution. Buyers and Sellers Depending on the state, solicitation of prostitution can mean either when a prostitute advertises his or her availability to perform sexual acts for compensation, or when a potential patron offers to pay for sex.

Solicitation Solicitation occurs whenever a person uses words, actions, or any type of conduct in an attempt to engage in an act of prostitution. Specific Intent Solicitation of prostitution is a specific intent crime. Specific Offer Courts have held that a prosecutor does not have to show that a specific offer to engage in prostitution occurred. Penalties Solicitation of prostitution is typically charged as a misdemeanor offense, though felony charges are possible in some states and in some situations.

A conviction for solicitation of prostitution can result in a jail sentence of up to a year. First-time offenders typically face much shorter jail sentences, such as a maximum of between 30 days to six months. In nearly all cases, if the person being solicited is under the age of 18, you will automatically be charged with a felony, even if it is your first offense. Depending on the jurisdiction in which the offense took place, both prostitutes and their customers may be labeled as sex offenders.

This typically requires adding their names to the National Sex Offender Registry, which can make it more difficult for the person to rent or buy a home or apartment, find a steady job and maintain personal relationships.

There is a stigma attached to being a sex offender that can have major implications for a person's life going forward. Facilitating prostitution comes with steeper penalties than prostitution and solicitation. Offenses relating to pimping and transporting individuals for the purpose of prostitution are punished under federal law, so the punishments are the same across the country. Transporting any person to engage in prostitution in the United States is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

You'll likely also have to pay a sizable fine. If you transport the person across state lines or to another country to act as a prostitute, the punishment is up to 30 years in prison, as well as a fine. Finally, importing foreign nationals to engage in prostitution in the U. As with prostitution and solicitation, punishments are more severe if the person engaging in prostitution is under the age of For those who facilitate prostitution by minors, the punishment is imprisonment for at least 10 years, with the maximum punishment being a life sentence.

Fines are typically imposed as well. You can also be convicted of encouraging others to engage in prostitution. If the person becoming a prostitute is an adult, you can be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine. However, if the person in question is underage, the punishment is at least 10 years in prison, up to a maximum life sentence.

It is important to note the American judicial system assumes that you are innocent until the prosecutor in your case is able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty.

It is always possible to defend yourself in these types of cases, possibly mitigating your sentence or getting the charges dropped altogether. You have several options available to you:. Of course, the particulars of your case may lead to other possible defenses, but those listed here are some of the most common. You'll need to employ the services of a sex crimes attorney to help you evaluate your options and present your case in the best possible light.

In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain for you. This means that you will be subjected to lesser punishment in exchange for accepting some of the charges against you or cooperating with a larger investigation into a prostitution ring, for example.

Even with a plea bargain, your case will still be recorded as a conviction, so it is important to weigh your options with your attorney before settling on going this route.

When dealing with any type of criminal charges, it is important to find an attorney who makes you feel comfortable. You'll be discussing the sensitive details of your case ad nauseam, so you need to be able to talk freely with your attorney. In addition, you want to find someone who has experience with prostitution cases. Defending these cases requires careful planning and skill, so look for an attorney who has some expertise in this area. Here at Sex Crimes Attorney, we have helped countless individuals defend against charges of prostitution, solicitation and pandering.

Especially in this area of the law, cases can get quite complex, and we take an individualized approach to each case. This means that you'll get personalized attention and a defense that is uniquely tailored to your situation. Our attorneys are compassionate and will do everything possible to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process.

We'll take the time to address all of your concerns and answer any questions you have about the charges against you, the possible punishments you are facing or about the legal process in general.

You could face:. A fourth or subsequent conviction could result in serious consequences because the state may charge it as a state jail felony. If convicted, you could face:. Like most states, Texas has laws that make it illegal to commit prostitution. The crime of prostitution occurs when one party offers to engage in or engages in sexual behavior in exchange for money or another asset. It is possible to break the law if you offer sexual contact or solicit sexual behaviors in exchange for a fee.

It is important to note that sexual contact does not need to happen to get convicted of this type of charge, and there is nothing in the law that says prostitution must occur in exchange for money. The fee may include any type of asset, including drugs, valuables, or currency. For a free legal consultation, call Isenberg understand Texas prostitution laws and the penalties you could face if convicted.

We also understand that you want to avoid these penalties if at all possible and understand how jail time and fines could affect your family and your future. Client Testimonials Attorney Testimonials "Not only was Paul very helpful, but the entire staff was very nice, very understanding and respectful. An Initial Consultation. Get Help Now.