Tempe Prostitution Attorney
Prostitution charges can result from various acts involving the exchange of money for any form of sexual conduct. While in some cases the state may not consider prostitution a sex crime, the potential punishments are still harsh. One of the most typical types of arrest for prostitution is a charge of solicitation. A person may face these charges for offering money or other valuable items for sexual favors.
A first-time prostitution arrest can lead to a mandatory minimum jail sentence, among other harsh penalties. As such, it is crucial to work with an aggressive defense attorney like those at the Grand Canyon Law Group. A Tempe prostitution arrest attorney at our firm can analyze the facts, witness testimony, and arrest details to determine the best defense plan.
For a free legal consultation with a prostitution lawyer serving Tempe, call 480-400-5555
POTENTIAL DEFENSES AGAINST PROSTITUTION CHARGES
Every prostitution case is unique and has different variables. Potential defenses for prostitution include the following.
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO ESTABLISH INTENT
The burden lies with the state prosecutor to establish to the court that a person is guilty of any criminal offense. They must prove guilt to the court through a preponderance of evidence.
When the state does not provide sound evidence of the defendant’s guilt, an experienced prostitution attorney may ask the court to drop the case. The state must also prove the intent of the defendant. Speaking with a prostitute or undercover officer does not prove they intended to go through with the sexual act.
ENTRAPMENT BY AN UNDERCOVER OFFICER
Law enforcement commonly employs prostitution stings where officers pose as prostitutes. Importantly, a person does not have to go through with the act to face solicitation of prostitution charges.
Entrapment is a common defense after an arrest during a prostitution sting operation. Officers may disguise themselves as sex workers to lure people with no criminal record into committing the offense of solicitation. A knowledgeable lawyer in Tempe could argue that the act of prostitution was solely the officer’s idea and not the defendant’s.
NO EXCHANGE OF PAYMENT
A person facing these charges can argue there was no intent to compensate the other party for performing sexual acts. The offense of prostitution may not occur unless there is an offer to exchange money or other valuable items for sexual favors.
Tempe Prostitution Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
PROSTITUTION PENALTIES FOR FIRST TIME OFFENSES IN TEMPE
State laws consider it a criminal offense for anyone to knowingly engage in prostitution. According to Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3214, a defendant may face a jail sentence of 15 days to six months for a first offense. They could also receive a misdemeanor conviction on their permanent criminal record, fines of up to $2,500, and three years of probation.
PROSTITUTION CONVICTION FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES
When a person faces a repeat conviction for prostitution, they will face harsher penalties. Sentencing is as follows:
- Second arrest—minimum of 30 days in jail
- Third arrest—60 days behind bars
- Fourth and subsequent arrests—jail sentence of no less than 180 days
A fourth conviction for prostitution will also mean a class five felony rather than a misdemeanor conviction on the individual’s permanent criminal record. When the stakes are this high, it is crucial to work with a dedicated prostitution attorney in the area on a strong defense strategy.
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CALL AN EXPERIENCED PROSTITUTION ATTORNEY IN TEMPE
A prostitution conviction on your permanent record will have many negative consequences for your future. Besides the legal penalties, prostitution can severely impact your career and personal life due to the social stigma of a conviction.
However, there are many potential defenses that a skilled attorney could employ in your favor. Call a Tempe prostitution lawyer at the Grand Canyon Law Group right away to begin discussing your case. Our team is here to fight for you and your way of life.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form