Annapolis Prostitution Lawyer
Prostitution is a serious offense under state law. Anyone convicted of this crime could face fines or jail time. If you have been accused of a sex crime, an experienced criminal attorney could help you build a strong defense and prevail at trial.
Retaining an Annapolis prostitution lawyer could improve your chances of succeeding in court. A dedicated attorney at our firm could review your case and advise you on the best course of action.
State Laws Regarding Prostitution
The Code of Maryland §11-301 defines prostitution as the “performance of a sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse for hire.” Almost any sexual behavior done in exchange for money, drugs, information, or an object of value could be considered a sex crime. A local attorney could help a person accused of prostitution understand their charges.
Penalties for Illegal Sexual Acts in Annapolis
Prostitution is a misdemeanor offense under state law, but a conviction could still have significant consequences. A first-time offender may be able to avoid jail time following a conviction. However, someone with repeat convictions could face up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $500.
Other sex crimes such as soliciting and pandering have harsher penalties. Someone convicted of these offenses could be sentenced to up to ten years in jail. A lawyer with experience handling prostitution cases could help a defendant fighting back against a conviction at trial.
Common Defenses Against Accusations of Prostitution
Facing charges for a sex crime can be overwhelming, but it is important to note that not all cases result in a conviction. A person could see the charges against them dismissed shortly before trial. If the case does go to court, beating the charge will require a strong defense.
Entrapment
There are many potential defenses in a prostitution case. One of the most common arguments is entrapment. Law enforcement officers are allowed to run sting operations to catch a person engaging in criminal activity, but they are not permitted to trick or coerce a person into committing a crime.
Lack of Evidence
One of the most basic of defenses is lack of evidence. The defense counsel could argue that the state has failed to provide enough evidence to convict the accused party.
This defense is common, given that many prostitution arrests occur during large sweeps or stings and evidence against a specific defendant may be limited.
Misunderstanding
Some defendants could argue that no criminal act ever occurred. This may involve a misunderstanding where no money was exchanged. A seasoned prostitution attorney could help their client identify all of the defenses available in their case.
Work with an Annapolis Prostitution Attorney
A prostitution charge should be treated seriously. While a lengthy jail term is unlikely, a negative outcome at trial could have a negative impact on your life.
If you are facing charges, contact an Annapolis prostitution lawyer right away. Our team could present a strong defense in court. Scheduling a free consultation to discuss your case at length with a skilled legal professional.