Prostitution is often a controversial crime because many people do not believe it should be a criminal offense, and political and social activists have long fought to have prostitution legalized. Regardless of this debate, state law currently holds that prostitution is a crimeβand a potentially severe one at that. Local prosecutors take any sex-related crime seriously, and those charged with prostitution can face serious legal consequences if convicted, including high fines and jail time.
Additionally, conviction for prostitution or any related crime can ruin your personal and professional reputations. There is obviously a lot at stake for those facing a prostitution charge.
If you have been charged with this or any related crime, call a Wellington prostitution. Your qualified criminal defense attorney could help protect your rights and your reputation in and out of the courtroom. Prostitution occurs when someone offers sexual activity in exchange for something of value. Florida Statutes Many people believe that prostitution only occurs if money is exchanged, or if sexual intercourse occurs. However, according to the letter of the law, the giving or receiving component of a sexual encounter does not actually have to involve money or sexual intercourse to be considered prostitution.
For example, if someone exchanges oral sex for a smartphone, that would qualify as prostitution under state law. Any sexual activity whatsoever may qualify as prostitution so long as an exchangeβor an attempted exchangeβoccurs. The penalties for a prostitution conviction can vary depending on whether the defendant has prior convictions for the same crime.
Local residents convicted of prostitution could face the following penalties:. Any subsequent prostitution charge for those with more than three convictions will also be a felony charge. Those facing a second or third prostitution charge may be in particular need of help from a qualified Wellington prostitution defense lawyer who could defend them against such charges, and who could work hard to help them avoid a conviction when possible.
