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Prostitution Charges in Orlando, FL
Prostitution Charges
Prostitution Charges in Florida
Seeking to purchase sexual favors from another person for some form of compensation can lead to a charge of prostitution in Orlando, Florida. Being arrested or investigated for charges involving prostitution can be scary and lead to severe consequences, including prison time and expensive fines. The most essential thing to do if you have been arrested for prostitution or are the target of a related investigation is to hire an attorney immediately. Having an attorney to form an aggressive defense strategy can dramatically increase your chances of avoiding a prostitution conviction.
The lawyers at Hanlon Law have vast experience defending against prostitution charges in Orlando, Florida. We help our clients through the complexities of the legal system with our dedication and commitment. Our knowledge and expertise in the area allow us to offer you the guided direction needed to understand the legal battle you face and figure out your best options.
What is Considered Prostitution in Florida?
Under Florida Statute Chapter 796, prostitution is “the giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.” It is important to note that prostitution does not include these activities between spouses. This definition requires that a person offer and exchange a form of payment with another person for sexual services. The form of compensation under this law does not necessarily have to be money. Sexual activity can be defined as oral, anal, or vaginal penetration or union with the sexual organ of another or the handing of the sexual organ of another for the purpose of masturbation. For a person to face prostitution charges, they must exchange the compensation and accomplish the selling of the services before they can be arrested.
Other activities that are illegal under Florida Statute Chapter 796 that relate to prostitution are:
- To operate any place or structure for the purpose of prostitution
- To act as a middleman in securing payment for a sexual activity.
- To solicit or entice another person to commit prostitution.
- To permit anyone to remain at a place that you own for the purposes of prostitution.
- To transport or offer to take a person to any place with the knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the purpose of said transportation is prostitution.
- To enter or remain in any place to host prostitution.
- Or aiding and abetting in any of the listed above acts.
Consequences for Prostitution in Florida
In Orlando, Florida, committing any of the above crimes, excluding the accused of eliciting or enticing another to engage in prostitution, as a first-time offense is a second-degree misdemeanor. This offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and a maximum sentence of 60 days in prison. A second violation of these charges results in a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison. Any subsequent offense is a third-degree felony, resulting in a fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Being convicted of eliciting or enticing another to commit prostitution has different punishments than the other illegal acts found in Flordia Statute Chapter 796. This offense results in a first-degree misdemeanor for the first conviction, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum sentence of one year in prison. A second conviction for this offense is a third-degree felony and could result in a fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Any subsequent conviction for this crime is a second-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison.
Defenses to Prostitution Charges
If you or someone you care about has been arrested or is being investigated for charges related to prostitution, the best thing you can do is contact an attorney to come up with the best defense for your case. There are various defenses to prostitution charges, dependent on the circumstances of your case. An entrapment defense can be used if your situation involves a police sting where a regular, law-abiding citizen is put into a compromising position. Entrapment is when a law enforcement officer coerces the defendant into committing a crime they would not have committed without the authorities' involvement.
In forming your defense, your lawyer should review any evidence, like recordings, police testimonies, and any other source of information that could establish whether or not the accused has engaged in an illegal act.
Protecting Your Future With Hanlon Law
Navigating the legal world is a daunting task that requires expert guidance to manage. If you are facing prostitution charges in Orlando, Florida, the attorneys at Halon Law offer their legal skills and commitment to representing your best interests. A conviction for prostitution can lead to severe penalties, including jail time or fines, which is why you need the best advocates to defend your future. At Hanlon Law, we will use any information in our investigation to pressure the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges or prove your innocence in court.
Contact the attorneys at Hanlon law to schedule a consultation to discuss your charges and hire an Orlando prostitution charges attorney.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following localities: Hernando County including Spring Hill; Hillsborough County including Brandon, Riverview, and Tampa; Pinellas County including Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, and St. Petersburg; and Pasco County including Dade City, Hudson, and New Port Richey.
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