A common criminal accusation involves the apparent act of prostitution. Under state criminal law, it is illegal to sell sex for money or anything else of value. Many people do not realize it is also against the law to offer one’s services as a prostitute or profit from prostitution in any way.
A Brunswick prostitution lawyer may be able to help protect your rights and reputation if you are facing any kind of accusation connected to illegal sexual transactions. An experienced sex crimes attorney could explain the full nature of your charges, explore the potential penalties upon conviction, and work toward achieving your goals in and out of court.
The classic definition of prostitution involves selling sex in exchange for money. While this basic concept falls under the state’s definition of prostitution, the reality is that state law defines a far greater set of behaviors as criminal prostitution. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-6-9 says it is against the law to perform any sexual act in exchange for anything of value. So, for example, exchanging sex acts, even outside of intercourse, for something as simple as electronics falls under this definition.
People may face charges relating to prostitution without committing the act itself. O.C.G.A. § 16-6-10 outlaws the act of offering a place for prostitution to take place. Similarly, O.C.G.A. § 16-6-11 punishes people who promote or profit from prostitution under the pimping statute. A Brunswick attorney could provide more information about the state laws prohibiting prostitution and related activities.
O.C.G.A. § 16-6-13 establishes the penalties for a prostitution conviction and other related crimes. Per this statute, prostitution is a misdemeanor offense. Upon conviction, a court may impose a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. The law considers pimping a more serious offense; penalties increase the maximum fine to $5,000, and if the court imposes a jail sentence, at least 72 hours of that sentence must be spent in custody. Whereas housing a place of prostitution is also a high and aggravated misdemeanor and carries a mandatory minimum day in jail.
Anyone facing charges for prostitution or any other type of sex crime should prioritize hiring a skilled legal professional. A knowledgeable lawyer could evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, including reviewing the methods police used to obtain evidence. An attorney could also investigate the interaction between the parties being accused of prostitution to determine if it was clear that a defendant offered a sex act in exchange for money or property. A Brunswick attorney could help by offering a potent defense during all court hearings and trials, no matter the exact nature of the prostitution charges.
Accusations that you have committed an act of prostitution are serious. A conviction could result in fines, jail sentences, and a permanent criminal record. Allegations of pimping or otherwise supporting prostitution could result in heightened fines or even longer jail time.
A Brunswick prostitution lawyer could help you work to avoid this outcome. They could explain prostitution laws, evaluate the investigation that led to the arrest, and fight to preserve your rights throughout your legal proceedings. Contact our legal team today to let them get to work for you.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
