Virginia Beach Prostitution Lawyer
If you were charged with prostitution, you may be unsure of what to do next. Fighting criminal charges such as prostitution alone can be a daunting task, and more than likely, you will want a skilled and seasoned criminal defense attorney on your side. Get in touch with a Virginia Beach prostitution lawyer to discuss your case.
Prostitution and Related Charges
Virginia harshly prosecutes anyone suspected of prostitution. Virginia Code §18.2-346 states that a person who engages in any type of sexual acts for money or material goods can be found guilty of prostitution, a Class 1 misdemeanor. Even if a person does not actually receive anything of value, they can still be charged with prostitution according to state law.
It is also illegal to offer money or material goods in exchange for sexual favors, and those who commit such acts will face the same penalties as those charged with prostitution. Those who are believed to have engaged in compulsion or other similar activities can be charged with the crime of solicitation. There are numerous types of solicitation charges, with the most severe being those involving minors or those coerced into prostitution against their will.
In addition, it is illegal to run an establishment devoted solely to the act of prostitution as well. For example, if a person prostitutes themselves to another person and they are arrested, the person who owns the building in which the acts occurred can face criminal charges as well, even if they were unaware. A Virginia Beach prostitution attorney could offer further clarification about which particular aspects of
Penalties for Prostitution
The criminal consequences associated with prostitution can be harsh, and as usual, those with prior convictions or criminal records will receive the harshest sentences. However, the specific applicable penalties for prostitution and solicitation in the state of Virginia vary depending on the circumstances.
As mentioned previously, exchanging sexual favors for money or material goods is a Class 1 misdemeanor, as is the solicitation of such favors. In either situation, conviction may be punished by a fine of up to $2,500 and a maximum of one year in jail. Pandering or pimping—in other words, facilitating prostitution and/or solicitation—is a Class 4 felony punishable by $100,000 in fines and between two and ten years of imprisonment.
Following a prostitution or solicitation conviction, the court may order the convicted person to privately undergo STD testing and/or mental health counseling. They may also be required to take courses on STDs such as HIV and hepatitis C. With the help of a dedicated prostitution lawyer, individuals in Virginia Beach may be able to mitigate such penalties and pursue a more favorable outcome.
Contact a Virginia Beach Prostitution Attorney
If you were charged with prostitution or any related crimes, it may be imperative to act fast before you no longer have the chance. A qualified attorney could help craft a defense against the charges you are facing. Contact a Virginia Beach prostitution lawyer today to learn more.