Philadelphia Prostitution Lawyer
Not many things are worse than coming face to face with a police officer who is accusing you of committing a crime. Along with the stress of facing a criminal charge, there is the added level of embarrassment related to a prostitution accusation.
Prostitution is the act of engaging in sex for some profit, such as money or drugs. Paying for sex is a crime in Pennsylvania and the police take any suspected act seriously. If you are concerned about the police, consider setting up a meeting with a Philadelphia prostitution lawyer.
A knowledgeable defense attorney may be able to help you understand the legal process, any charges brought against you and how best to proceed considering the unique circumstances related to your issue. You should take any threat to your freedom, reputation, and finances seriously. There is also the risk of the government labeling a convicted person as a sex offender, which can last for life.
Prostitution Laws in Philadelphia
The Pennsylvania General Assembly defines the acts that constitute prostitution in Section 5902, Title 18. Engaging in prostitution includes being part of a house of prostitution or a brothel or hanging around a public place trying to find someone willing to pay that person for sex. Promoting prostitution is also a crime, which includes the following acts:
- Working at or owning a house of prostitution
- Finding workers for a house of prostitution
- Encouraging or tricking someone into becoming a prostitute
- Finding people to hire prostitutes
- Finding a prostitute for a potential client
- Transporting a prostitute within or into Pennsylvania or paying for that transportation
- Living off the ill-gotten gains of a prostitute
- Leasing a place of business for prostitution
- Trying to get a benefit or offering a benefit for agreeing to do any forbidden act involving prostitution
For more information regarding prostitution laws in Philadelphia, consult with an experienced lawyer.
Penalties for Prostitution
The first time the court convicts someone of engaging in prostitution, they will punish that act as a third-degree misdemeanor. A third offense is a second-degree misdemeanor and a fourth or subsequent offense is a first-degree misdemeanor. If the actor had HIV or AIDS, the court may convict that person of a third-degree felony. The court can sentence a third-degree felon to up to seven years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000, and a first-degree misdemeanor with up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Therefore, it is essential for defendants to seek the services of a Philadelphia prostitution lawyer.
It is a third-degree felony to operate a prostitution house or actively encourage someone to become a prostitute. It is the same if the actor forces someone, including spouse or child, to become a prostitute. The court will punish any other act of promoting prostitution as a second-degree misdemeanor.
Anyone who engages in a crime of a sexual nature can face the added penalty of the government putting that person’s name on the sex offender register. It can be difficult or impossible to get off the sex offenders’ list, depending on the type of conviction and other factors.
Talk to a Philadelphia Prostitution Attorney
Law enforcement aggressively comes after people suspected of committing prostitution, so it may be necessary to have an aggressive attorney fighting to protect your interests and freedom.
Accusations of prostitution carry with them heavy moral condemnations and the potential social stigma of being a registered sex offender. Fortunately, a Philadelphia prostitution lawyer may be able to help.
Do not leave yourself exposed to the justice system which often does its best to avoid trials and move to get people convicted as quickly as possible. Speak with a representative who understands the law and how the criminal system operates in Pennsylvania. Reach out to a lawyer today.