Gaithersburg Prostitution Lawyer
Prostitution is a serious criminal offense, and a conviction could result in high fines or jail time. Additionally, having this type of offense on your criminal record could damage your professional and personal reputation. If you have been accused of prostitution, you may need to enlist the help of a Gaithersburg prostitution lawyer.
Defending yourself against allegations can be difficult without a skilled criminal attorney. An attorney at our firm could help you avoid any unwanted consequences of a prostitution charge.
Prostitution Charges in Gaithersburg
Under the Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 11-301, prostitution is the performance of a sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse in exchange for money. Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-303 prohibits individuals from knowingly engaging in prostitution.
A conviction for this offense may result in a maximum one-year jail sentence, a fine of $500, or both. A local attorney could defend individuals against charges of prostitution.
Common Criminal Offenses Related to Prostitution
There are many criminal offenses related to prostitution that have seminal repercussions.
Assignation and Solicitation
Assignation is the act of making an appointment or other arrangements for prostitution. Solicitation is described as intentionally procuring or requesting, or offering to acquire or solicit, prostitution or assignation. Like prostitution, assignation and solicitation are misdemeanor offenses that can be punished by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
Permitting the Use of a Building for Prostitution
It is also against the law to intentionally allow others to use a structure, building, or conveyance that they own or control for prostitution or assignation. This offense carries the same penalties as prostitution, assignation, and solicitation.
“Pimping”
According to Md. Code, Crim. Law § 11-304, a person could be charged with a sex crime if they receive or obtain money from the earnings of someone engaged in prostitution with the intent to:
- Promote prostitution or a related crime
- Profit from prostitution or a similar crime
- Hide the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the money or proceeds of prostitution or a related crime
This misdemeanor offense is commonly known as “pimping.” Individuals convicted of this crime could face incarceration up to ten years and a fine of up to $10,000. Those who have been accused of any sex crimes related to prostitution should reach out to a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Affirmative Defense to Prostitution and Related Crimes
State law establishes the affirmative defense of duress for prostitution and other related crimes. Duress may be an appropriate defense for individuals forced to commit illegal acts while subjected to human trafficking.
Establishing duress as a defense may be challenging without adequate legal counsel. Hiring a prostitution attorney could make a difference in one’s ability to craft a strong defense.
Call a Gaithersburg Prostitution Attorney Right Away
Facing prostitution or a related criminal charge can be an overwhelming experience. You are likely worried about the impact a conviction may have on your career, family, and reputation.
A Gaithersburg prostitution lawyer could assist individuals in building a strong defense to these charges. Contact our office today to schedule a meeting with a seasoned criminal attorney.