Prostitution

Facing a sex offense charge is doubly difficult because the punishments for these crimes are tough to deal with and the social stigmas surrounding them are even tougher.

Prostitution, which is the exchange of a sexual act for payment, is considered a sex crime, and everyone involved in the chain of the transaction can face criminal charges if caught by law enforcement.

There is no doubt that anyone charged with a sex crime of this nature will require the legal experience and vigorous defense offered by a Gwinnett County prostitution lawyer who has the experience and sensibility to handle your case with the respect and dedication you deserve.

A criminal charge for prostitution could affect the pimp or owner of the place where the sexual acts take place, the person soliciting services, the person offering services, and anyone else who profits or facilitates the act of prostitution. The following are all prostitution-related crimes under Georgia law:

Prostitution is the exchange of an object of value for a sexual service including sexual intercourse or sodomy. Even if the payment has not been given nor the sexual act carried out, if there is evidence proving the intent to participate in prostitution, both the person offering services and the person soliciting services can be charged and punished.

Pandering is related to solicitation of prostitution when a person solicits a sexual act in exchange for payment directly or on behalf of another person. Pandering is also when a person gathers a group of people together with the intention of engaging in prostitution.

Pimping is essentially acting as an intermediary who facilitates prostitution by arranging meetings with a prostitute, providing transportation, overseeing prostitutes, and receiving payment for facilitating prostitution.

A person may be charged for operating a place of prostitution if they are the owner or manager of a property where prostitution is happening.

Offering masturbation for payment, like prostitution, is illegal and can be charged whether the act is carried out if intent can be proven.

Offering and receiving a massage in a place used for prostitution is also punishable by law in Georgia.

Any one of these charges will be considered a prostitution sex offense that may be penalized as a misdemeanor. It is critical to seek a Gwinnett County prostitution attorney as soon as an arrest or charge is made for prostitution as the consequences are serious and a strong defense should be prepared as soon as possible to have a chance at reducing charges.

If a minor is involved in prostitution, whether or not the person soliciting services or facilitating services knows this fact, the penalties and charges are increased. Similarly, if prostitution happens within a thousand-foot radius of an area frequented by minors like a school, playground, or place of worship, the fines will be increased by several thousand dollars.

A prostitution case in which a minor is involved will be charged as a felony and the defendant will be required to register as a sex offender. It does not matter if the charge is for pandering, pimping, or operating a place where prostitution takes place.

Even if the under-aged person lied about their age, or age was not discussed at all, these charges will still apply and sentencing will be harsher.

It is a known fact that many people involved in prostitution are sold into the business through sex trafficking and thus are victims of the people who put them in these predicaments.

With this in mind, Georgia lawmakers passed law HB200 , which offers protection to anyone caught for prostitution who is a victim of sex trade. By that token, any pimp or prostitution place operator involved with sex trafficking will face more serious charges and penalties while the victims will be offered amnesty.

Penalties for prostitution-related crimes may include hefty fines, time in prison, a criminal record and potential registration as a sex offender. The latter two punishments can cause lasting damage as they make things like finding a job or housing complicated for life.

While a minor sex offense could be charged as a misdemeanor with up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine, a charge for a crime like pimping can carry much heavier fines and longer periods in prison. A felony prostitution offense if convicted could mean as much as 30 years in prison and fines as high as $100,000. To combat such penalties, it is crucial that an individual hire a Gwinnett County prostitution lawyer to begin crafting a defense.

With serious penalties for prostitution charges, it is best not to put your faith in the hands of someone inexperienced or to attempt to handle to situation alone. A lawyer who is well-versed in Georgia law will provide invaluable protection to the defendant during the trial for a prostitution charge.

Depending on the situation, it could be possible to reduce or dismiss charges before going to trial. None of these benefits will be possible without an experienced Gwinnett County prostitution attorney.

A prostitution-related offense can result in a series of negative consequences both legal and personal for the person accused.

These charges require the delicacy and knowledge of a legal expert who can determine how to proceed in order to mitigate the damages that a sex crime allegation and conviction could effect on the defendant’s life in the short-term and long-term.

Having a sound legal defense and being aware of your rights are extremely important in the days and weeks immediately following an arrest for prostitution, which is why anyone facing these charges should not hesitate to seek legal representation.

You should speak with a Gwinnett County prostitution attorney as soon as possible to get the defense you need. Have your case be handled swiftly and discreetly by an expert in the field.