Prostitution Attorney in Arizona
Sex work in Arizona is a complicated legal matter. If you have been charged with buying or selling sexual relations, you could be facing significant consequences, including jail time and fines. If you’ve found yourself facing a similar situation, you should hire an Arizona prostitution lawyer right away.
You do not have to contest allegations of prostitution or sex work alone. If you are facing charges for prostitution, the skilled team at Grand Canyon Law Group can help you build a strong defense. Reach out to an Arizona prostitution lawyer to learn more about your options.
For a free legal consultation with a prostitution lawyer serving Arizona, call 480-400-5555
DEFINING PROSTITUTION IN ARIZONA
Arizona Revised Statutes §13-3214 codifies the legal definition of prostitution in the state. Under state law, prostitution is defined as the sale of sexual behaviors in exchange for money or something of equivalent value. The state does not explicitly list the behaviors that can be considered sexual in nature, but rather refers to all sex and sexualized physical contact as grounds for prostitution charges.
There are also laws in the Grand Canyon State that target individuals who facilitate these sexual relations between others. “Pimping,” as described by Arizona Revised Statute §13-3204, carries consequences of a Class 5 Felony for parties accused of facilitating prostitution.
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WHAT THE PROSECUTOR MUST PROVE
To convict you of prostitution, the prosecution must prove that certain elements of the crime were present. They include:
- The intent to receive money for sexual favors
- An offer or agreement of prostitution
- A fee arrangement
- Actual sexual conduct
Your lawyer can successfully defend you in your prostitution case by refuting any of these key elements.
CONSEQUENCES FOR PROSTITUTION
Arizona establishes several penalties for alleged prostitution. These charges vary based on an individual’s existing criminal record, if applicable. For example, individuals facing charges of prosecution for the first time must, upon their conviction, serve at least 15 days in jail while facing fines of up to $2,500. Second offenses call for 30 days in jail, and third offenses require 60 days in jail.
Prostitution is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, but this charge will be raised to a class 5 felony if the Defendant has been previously charged with prostitution four times or more. As a result, someone charged with prostitution may face up to four years in prison on top of paying court fees and fines. These penalties can be highly impactful on a person’s life, which is why it is best to consult with a seasoned prostitution attorney to put together an adequate defense.
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POTENTIAL DEFENSES AGAINST PROSTITUTION CHARGES
There are several defenses that your lawyer could choose to use in fighting your prostitution charges. They include:
- Coercion. If you have been forced or coerced into prostitution by sex traffickers, you won’t be held criminally accountable for acts of prostitution that resulted from your victimization.
- Lack of intent. If you did not agree to exchange money for your sexual acts, you did not have the intent to commit prostitution, and there was no crime.
- Entrapment. If you were lured into committing the crime of prostitution by law enforcement officers when you otherwise would not have engaged in the act, that’s entrapment, and it can be an effective defense.
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DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROSTITUTION AND SEX TRAFFICKING
Sex trafficking refers to the act of forcing or coercing someone into acts of sexual service, often as prostitutes. Victims of sex trafficking are not guilty of prostitution, and those responsible typically face much more substantial charges if they are caught, particularly if they are trafficking minors.
PROSTITUTION INVOLVING A MINOR
When alleged prostitution involves a minor, charges are often more severe in nature. State law recognizes several different kinds of child prostitution, including:
- Sex or sexual acts with an individual under the age of 18
- Use of a minor for prostitution against that minor’s will
- Forcing a minor to engage in prostitution
- Allowing a minor to engage in prostitution
- Receiving financial benefits from a minor’s prostitution
Those convicted on child prostitution charges face felony consequences, with the exact class of felony varying based on the circumstances giving rise to the offense Causing, using, managing, or engaging in child prostitution is a Class 2 Felony punishable by incarceration, probation, and significant fines.
Incidents involving minors aged 15-17, where the defendant did not know the minor’s age at the time of the alleged encounter are class 6 felonies, punishable by nine months’ imprisonment. Encounters where the defendants allegedly knew the minor’s age could result in up to 21 years of jail time. Child prostitution laws are complex, so an individual facing charges is encouraged to speak with an experienced attorney to put together a strong case in defense to these charges.
WHY HIRE A PROSTITUTION LAWYER?
The complexities of prostitution and sex work in Arizona can be overwhelming to work through. If you or a loved one has been accused of prostitution, you need a solid defense. A skilled Arizona prostitution lawyer can help you craft a defense to your charges. If applicable, an attorney can argue that additional circumstances contributed to the alleged incident, such as entrapment, sex trafficking, abuse, and retaliatory behavior on the part of the prosecution.
If you’re facing charges, know that you are not alone. Police in Arizona regularly crack down on prostitution rings, with one operation in early 2024 netting 53 felony arrests and 149 misdemeanors, primarily for buying or selling sexual acts. This is just one example among many of operations designed to target human sex trafficking and prostitution.
FAQs
Is Escorting Legal in Arizona?
Escorting is not legal in Arizona. Because it involves the exchange of money or valuables for sexual conduct, it can be punished under prostitution laws with severe penalties, including substantial fines, mandatory jail time, and felony charges for repeat offenders. Escorting that does not involve sexual acts is not considered prostitution.
Is It Illegal to Pay for Hookups?
It is illegal to pay for hookups in Arizona. Doing so is considered solicitation of a prostitute, which can leave both parties facing fines and jail time. If you have been accused of soliciting a prostitute or prostitution, you can work with an Arizona prostitution attorney to fight the charges being brought against you.
Are Sensual Massages Legal in Arizona?
Sensual or erotic massages involving sexual touch are not legal in Arizona. They fall under prostitution laws. Massage therapists are prohibited from performing this type of act by the State Board of Massage Therapy ethics, and furthermore, it’s prohibited by law. Legitimate massage therapy focuses on therapeutic touch and avoids any kind of sexual contact or connotation.
Can You Go to Jail for First-Time Prostitution Charges in AZ?
You can go to jail for first-time prostitution charges in AZ. The state has a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 days in jail. There are, however, some cities that offer diversion programs to replace jail time. Phoenix, for instance, allows people convicted of prostitution for the first time to avoid jail if they successfully complete court-ordered education programs.
DO NOT WAIT TO REACH OUT TO AN ARIZONA PROSTITUTION ATTORNEY
During your initial consultation, you can prepare for your arraignment and discuss representation and mediation, depending on your individual needs. Time is of the essence in these types of cases, so do not hesitate to reach out. The experienced team at Grand Canyon Law Group is ready to help you restore your way of life and handle your case the right way.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
