Wicomico Prostitution Lawyer
Accusations of illegal acts do not always lead to convictions, so if you find yourself the target of a criminal investigation or charge, there are steps that you can take to defend yourself.
Aside from the criminal penalties that a prostitution conviction can bring, you also must be cognizant of the potential repercussions for your reputation, your job, and your family.
If you are in this situation, you may wish to reach out to a Wicomico prostitution lawyer who could give you the help and advice that you need. An adept criminal attorney could provide you with invaluable legal advice and defend you.
Defining Prostitution
According to Md. Code § 11-301, prostitution occurs when individuals offer sexual acts, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse for money. Given the breadth of this definition, many acts that individuals might not typically consider to be prostitution may fall within this code section.
In fact, the language of the statute provides that acts that constitute prostitution may exist even if no sexual contact or act ever occurs.
Prostitution and Related Criminal Offenses
Under Md. Code § 11-306, there is a wide range of prostitution-related actions that violate the law, including the following:
- Knowingly engaging in any type of prostitution
- Setting up or maintain a place or means of prostitution
- Allowing a place or means to be used for or allow another to use it for prostitution
- Obtain, ask for, or attempt to obtain or ask for prostitution
- Arrange an incidence of prostitution or take any action in furtherance of arranging the incidence of prostitution
Another prostitution-related criminal offense, as set forth in Md. Code § 11-304, is commonly known as pimping. In order for pimping to occur, individuals must receive the money or proceeds earned by another person from engaging in prostitution with the intent to promote, profit, or conceal the source of money from prostitution, human trafficking, or prostitution-related services.
Human trafficking is defined at Md. Code § 11-303. This offense may occur when individuals take certain intentional actions with respect to others committing acts of prostitution.
Prohibited Actions
The prohibited actions may include intentionally taking, placing, or keeping another in any place for prostitution, or persuading another to be taken, placed, or kept in any place for prostitution.
Other prohibited behaviors may include engaging in a scheme or course of conduct designed to cause individuals to believe that if they do not participate in sexually explicit performances they will suffer physical restraint or serious physical harm, and have their passports government identification cards, or immigration documents destroyed, removed, or concealed in the course of human trafficking.
Likewise, parents, guardians, and custodians may not consent to the taking or detention of another for the purposes of prostitution. Individuals also may not knowingly take or detain another in order to use force, threats, or fraud to compel them to marry someone, perform a sexual act or vaginal intercourse, or engage in sexual contact.
Prostitution Penalties
Any prostitution-related act described in Md. Code § 11-306 above could result in a misdemeanor charge. Convictions for these acts may result in a jail sentence of up to one year and payment of a $500 fine.
Pimping is also a misdemeanor charge but may result in much more serious penalties, including a prison sentence of up to ten years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Human trafficking is a felony under Maryland and a conviction for human trafficking could result in a prison sentence not to exceed 25 years and a fine not to exceed $15,000.
Aside from the criminal penalties of a conviction for prostitution or a related crime, individuals may also have to register as a sex offender for 15 years if the offense involves a minor. A hardworking prostitution lawyer in Wicomico could mitigate the penalties a person may face.
Collateral Consequences of a Prostitution Conviction
Registration as a sex offender can place significant limits on where individuals may live and the activities they can be involved in, particularly in terms of entering a school or being present in other locations where children may gather. They may also be required to report regularly to law enforcement agencies.
As a result of the potential severity of a prostitution-related conviction, individuals may want to seek the services of a Wicomico prostitution lawyer who could assist them.
Speaking with a Prostitution Attorney in Wicomico
The possible repercussions from a prostitution conviction or a related offense could be devastating. Aside from a potential sentence of incarceration and high fines, sex offender registration requirements, job loss, and a negative impact on family relationships may all result from a prostitution-related conviction.
Contact a Wicomico prostitution lawyer today and learn how you may be able to defend yourself, your family, and your reputation against these serious charges.