If you have been charged with prostitution in Florida, you need to understand your rights as someone who has been criminally accused of a serious sex crime. Legally speaking, prostitution is considered offering or agreeing to engage in a sexual act for any goods, service, or currency.
Regardless of your alleged role in the prostitution – the prostitute, pimp, or consumer – you can be arrested and put up against serious criminal penalties.
Understanding Prostitution Charges and Penalties in Florida
In many cases, first-time prostitution offenses are considered misdemeanors with varying consequences, with up to 60 days in jail, up to six months of probation, up to $500 fines, or both. However, as it is considered a sex crime, there are ways the violation could escalate to felonies in the eyes of the law, such as if it was a third offense of Prostitution (i.e. two prior prostitution convictions), making it a third degree felony, or if you were to pursue sexual services from an individual under the age of 18, making it a Second Degree Felony.
Legal Definitions and Categories: In Florida, prostitution charges can encompass a range of offenses, including:
Prostitution: Engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, a sexual act for money or other goods.
Solicitation: Requesting or encouraging someone to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money or other compensation.
Pimping/Pandering: Facilitating or profiting from the prostitution of another person.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony: While first-time prostitution offenses are generally classified as misdemeanors, subsequent offenses or related charges can lead to more severe felony charges:
Third-Degree Felony: Includes repeat offenses (third or more) or soliciting a prostitute who is a minor (under 18).
Second-Degree Felony: Includes engaging in prostitution with someone under 18.
Additional Penalties and Consequences:
Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, individuals convicted of prostitution-related offenses may face civil fines or asset forfeiture, depending on the circumstances.
Sex Offender Registration: Felony convictions often require mandatory registration as a sex offender, which has long-term implications for personal and professional life.
Employment and Housing Challenges: A criminal record can significantly impact career prospects and housing opportunities, with potential disqualification from certain jobs or professional licenses.
Depending on where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing, some of the harshest consequences of prostitution convictions include:
$5,000 fine for third degree felony / $10,000 fine for second degree felony
Up to five years in prison for third degree felony / Up to fifteen years in prison for a second degree felony
County-Specific Laws: Prostitution regulations and penalties can differ significantly across counties in Florida. Some jurisdictions may enforce stricter rules or impose additional fines and penalties. It’s essential to understand these local differences, as they can affect both the severity of the charges and the defense strategies available.
2. Related Criminal Activities:
Connection to Human Trafficking: If a prostitution charge is associated with human trafficking or the exploitation of minors, the legal consequences can be much more severe. These cases might also involve federal charges and heightened scrutiny.
Drug-Related Offenses: The involvement of drugs in a prostitution case can lead to further complications, including additional charges related to drug possession or distribution. This can significantly alter the legal landscape and the overall approach to the case.
3. Expungement and Record Sealing:
Eligibility for Expungement: Depending on the nature of the conviction and the specifics of the case, there may be opportunities to expunge or seal a criminal record after completing a sentence. This process can be crucial in reducing the long-term impact of a conviction on personal and professional life.
Legal Defense Strategies:
Challenging Evidence: Defenses may include challenging the legality of evidence obtained or arguing that the accused did not knowingly engage in illegal activities.
Proving Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that there was no intent to engage in a criminal act can be crucial, particularly in cases of alleged solicitation.
Negotiating Plea Deals: In some cases, negotiating a plea deal may result in reduced charges or penalties, especially if it's a first offense.
Contact Our Panama City Prostitution Defense Lawyer Today
One mistake or false conviction should not be allowed to completely ruin your finances and your chances of a stable future. Attorney Sauline believes that standing up for the rights of the accused and challenging whatever charges are presented against them is a critical part of the American justice system.
By committing his firm 100% to Criminal Defense, he has been able to accrue a number of notable accolades and accomplishments, such as:
When you sit down with Panama City Sex Crime Defense Attorney Albert J. Sauline, III, you will be part of creating your legal Defense case from day one. He treats you like the individual you are, with dignity and respect, and will avoid pushing you into any decisions that make you uncomfortable. It is your future on the line, and you should know exactly what is happening in your case at all times so that he will keep you up to speed and in the loop.
