Miami Prostitution Attorney

The recent trend among prosecutors across the United States is to focus more on prostitution-related offenses. This shift in focus is not unique to Florida but is happening nationwide. Some prosecutors view prostitution as a form of human trafficking that exploits women and men, while others consider it a public nuisance that should be eliminated. Whatever the motivation, the fact remains that more people are being charged with prostitution-related offenses, and the penalties for these crimes are becoming increasingly severe.

It’s important to note that prostitution itself is not a federal crime. However, the federal government has become involved in recent years in prosecuting cases that involve sex trafficking, which is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for commercial sex. This has led to a more concerted effort to target individuals involved in the sex trade, whether they are sex workers or clients.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a prostitution-related crime, it is critical to consult with an experienced Miami prostitution attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. In Florida, the crime of prostitution is taken extremely seriously. You need the counsel of an experienced lawyer to guide you through the process and maximize your chances of resolving your case with a favorable outcome.

What is Prostitution?

In Florida, prostitution is defined as the exchange of sexual services or acts between unmarried persons for monetary compensation. Police officers may also arrest individuals they believe are involved in prostitution even though they are not prostituting themselves. If you solicit a prostitute, make any money from prostitution, lease out space for prostitution, recruit prostitutes, or force other individuals into prostitution, you might face serious prison time and other penalties. In addition to the social stigma that can result from sex crimes charges, such as prostitution and solicitation, any prostitution-related charge can have lasting consequences on your professional and personal life.

Florida has specifics laws that are targeted at various activities relating to prostitution, including the following:

  • Soliciting a prostitute
  • Forcing another person to engage in prostitution
  • Leasing or renting a property for prostitution
  • Operating or leasing a location used for prostitution
  • Transporting a person for purposes of prostitution
  • Earning income from prostitution
  • Securing a minor for prostitution
  • Buying and selling minors for prostitution

Penalties for Prostitution Crimes

Prostitution-related offenses can carry a range of punishments, in addition to being classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the offense and the offender’s criminal history. Those who are convicted of owning or operating a place for lewdness, offering or receiving sex for hire, or directing, taking, or transporting someone for prostitution may face penalties that include community service, fines, and compulsory educational programs. Offenses by adults involving minors, forcing, compelling, or coercing another to become a prostitute, and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution is considered more serious and carry stiffer penalties. First-time offenders may face a felony of the second degree, while second-time offenders may be charged with a felony of the first degree. Those who have committed three or more offenses may be charged with a felony of the first degree, which carries mandatory incarceration and steep fines. Additionally, those convicted of prostitution-related offenses may face community service, compulsory educational programs, and fines.

Other Consequences of Prostitution Crimes

Some of the collateral consequences of being convicted of a prostitution-related crime include the following:

  1. Difficulty finding employment: A prostitution-related conviction can make it difficult to find employment, particularly in certain industries. Employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record, and a conviction for prostitution may be viewed as evidence of poor judgment or a lack of moral character.
  2. Housing discrimination: Some landlords may hesitate to rent to someone with a prostitution-related conviction. This can make it difficult to find affordable housing and can limit your choices for where to live.
  3. Loss of professional license: Depending on the nature of your profession, a prostitution-related conviction may result in the revocation of your professional license. This can prevent you from practicing in your chosen field, which can be devastating if you have invested significant time and money in your career.
  4. Immigration consequences: Non-U.S. citizens who are convicted of prostitution-related crimes may face deportation or other immigration consequences, including being barred from re-entering the United States.
  5. Damage to reputation: A prostitution-related conviction can damage your reputation, both in your personal and professional life. Even if the conviction is ultimately overturned or expunged, the stigma associated with the crime may linger.
  6. Loss of custody or visitation rights: A prostitution-related conviction can be used as evidence against you in child custody or visitation proceedings and may result in the loss of these rights.

These collateral consequences can be devastating, and they underscore the importance of seeking the advice and representation of a skilled criminal defense attorney if you are facing prostitution-related charges. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and work to minimize the impact of a conviction on your personal and professional life.

Defending Prostitution Charges

Because proving an arrangement between two or more people to trade sexual services for money can be difficult, circumstantial evidence is often used in prostitution cases. Our Miami prostitution defense lawyers examine every aspect of your case to build a strong defense for you. We will strive to have your prostitution charges reduced or even dismissed completely. It is important that we get involved in your criminal case as soon as possible so that we can formulate the best defense for your case.

Contact an Experienced Miami Prostitution Attorney

By taking the immediate action of hiring an experienced Miami prostitution attorney to defend yourself, you are minimizing the chances that your criminal case will have lasting consequences for your career, personal life, and reputation. Over the years, we have represented hundreds of clients in a wide range of cases. There is a good chance that we have dealt with your type of case and have represented clients who shared similar needs and concerns that you may have. Feel free to browse through the results section of our site for a representative sample of some of our past cases and the results we have achieved for our clients.

CALL US NOW for a CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION at (305) 538-4545, or simply take a moment to fill out our confidential and secure intake form.* The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry.

*Due to the large number of people who contact us requesting our assistance, it is strongly suggested that you take the time to provide us with specific details regarding your case by filling out our confidential and secure intake form. The additional details you provide will greatly assist us in responding to your inquiry in a timely and appropriate manner.

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