Most people know that it is illegal for any person to sell sex in exchange for money or anything else of value. However, it is also against the law to be on the other side of this exchange. Merely offering property or cash in exchange for sex is a violation of the law, known as pandering.
The state always bears the burden of proving an act of pandering occurred beyond a reasonable doubt. Authorities must demonstrate that an exchange happened or that someone intended for the exchange to happen. If they manage to prove these elements, a conviction may carry harsh penalties.
A Brunswick pandering lawyer may be able to help you if you are facing charges involving the purchasing of sex. A capable sex crimes attorney could work to explain your rights, describe the laws that control your case, and fight to defend your future every step of the way.
While other states use the term solicitation to describe the act of purchasing sex, in Georgia, criminal laws use the term pandering to describe this activity. However, the general concept is the same. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-12 says it is illegal to solicit another person to perform a sexual act in exchange for anything of value. These charges can include situations where the defendant intends to participate in the sex personally or procures these services for someone else. An experienced Brunswick attorney could provide more information about what circumstances may lead to pandering charges under state law.
On their own, allegations of pandering can have a devastating impact on a person’s life and reputation. However, a conviction will forever change an individual’s future. For a first conviction, the court can impose a fine of up to $5,000 and a jail term of up to one year. In addition, a court must require that a person receiving a conviction resulting in jail time serve at least 72 hours of that time in custody. Second or subsequent convictions are felonies with a minimum prison sentence of one year.
Some cases may involve aggravating factors that increase the severity of penalties. One example is when the person that a defendant supposedly solicited for sex was under the age of 18. According to O.C.G.A. § 16-6-13, convictions in these cases are felonies that carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of ten years. In severe cases, convictions can result in a 30-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $100,000.
Given these harsh penalties, fighting back against allegations of pandering is essential. A Brunswick pandering attorney could provide help to evaluate the police work that led to the arrest, examine the facts of the case, and determine the best defense strategy. Common defenses include disputing whether the exchange took place or arguing that a sexual encounter was consensual without the promise of money or property.
Allegations of pandering are serious matters that may lead to a court sentencing you to pay fines and spend time in jail. Any conviction will result in the creation of a criminal record that could make it difficult to obtain employment and leave a permanent stain on your reputation.
A Brunswick pandering lawyer may be able to help you to avoid these unfortunate consequences. They can stand by your side to gather powerful evidence, question the legality of police work, and present potent defenses to juries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
