Rockville Prostitution Lawyer

If you have been accused of prostitution or solicitation of prostitution – known as assignation in Maryland – you may feel angry and embarrassed to be facing such controversial charges. Our Rockville criminal defense lawyers understand what a delicate situation this can be.
It is important that you act quickly to begin combating these charges so contact a Rockville prostitution attorney with our firm today to get started.

Prostitution Charges in Rockville

In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone to knowingly participate in prostitution or assignation, or to operate a house of prostitution, or allow one’s property to be used for prostitution. It is also illegal to knowingly solicit prostitution or to procure or offer to procure prostitution services for another person.

What Constitutes Prostitution in Maryland?

Prostitution in Rockville is defined as any sexual act, vaginal intercourse, or sexual contact that is paid for. While the law under Maryland Code § 3-301 differentiates between a sexual act – which does not include vaginal intercourse but refers to other sexual acts such as oral sex or anal intercourse – and sexual contact, which includes touching of a person’s genitals, breasts or buttocks; all of the above actions constitute prostitution if they are performed for hire.

Maryland Penalties for Prostitution Offenses

Misdemeanor prostitution offenses in Rockville are punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $500. Other prostitution related offenses are treated much more harshly. Receiving earnings from a prostitute, for instance, is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Many prostitution-related crimes can be considered human trafficking. Human trafficking charges in Rockville are very serious, especially if it involves trafficking of minors – a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Human trafficking that does not involve minors carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5000. Human trafficking offenses that don’t involve minors are classified as Misdemeanor offenses in Rockville.

Human Trafficking

In Rockville, human trafficking is defined as taking a person to a place for the purpose of prostitution, or seducing, persuading or encouraging an individual to take place in prostitution, or receiving payments or compensation in exchange for arranging prostitution services. It is also illegal to hide or destroy someone’s passport, immigration documents, or other government identification in order to gain or maintain control of someone for the purposes of prostitution.
Some human trafficking or prostitution-related offenses in Rockville involve the alleged abduction of children under the age of 16. It is illegal for any person to persuade, seduce or entice a child under the age of 16 to leave their home or their guardian’s custody for the purpose of prostitution. This offense is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5000.

How Can a Rockville Prostitution Attorney Help?

Our Rockville prostitution lawyers understand that while these charges can be embarassing, it is possible that you have been wrongly accused. We will work passionately to defend you against these charges that may be wreaking havoc on your life.
There are several valid defenses for prostitution that your Rockville prostitution attorney may put forth on your behalf. Your lawyer can argue that the sexual contact was consensual, or that you lacked knowledge that the conduct might be considered a prostitution offense. Call today to schedule a consultation to begin building your defense as soon as possible.