Miami, Florida Prostitution Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Charges of Prostitution or Solicitation in Miami

In Miami, law enforcement officers regularly target sex workers and people who are accused of soliciting or arranging sexual activity. They may use undercover operations and street-level enforcement to identify and arrest people who have allegedly exchanged money for sexual activity. An arrest for prostitution or solicitation of prostitution can lead to public embarrassment and criminal consequences. A person who is convicted may face multiple types of penalties and lasting consequences that could affect their life and career.

Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney provides discreet legal representation for people who have been arrested for prostitution-related offenses in Miami. Our lawyer understands that these cases can be highly sensitive, and he works to resolve matters effectively while minimizing the effects on a person's life. Arrests for prostitution may be based on misunderstandings, misidentification, or improper police conduct. Our goal is to protect your rights, safeguard your reputation, and help you put this situation behind you.

What Constitutes Prostitution Under Florida Law?

Under Florida Statutes Section 796.07, prostitution may involve any acts related to sexual activity for hire. Being involved in sexual activity, including sexual intercourse, oral sex, fondling, or other acts that may be considered indecent or obscene, in exchange for money or other forms of compensation, could lead to prostitution charges. There are several related offenses that are also included in the category of prostitution, including:

• Solicitation: A person could face criminal charges for offering or agreeing to pay another person for sexual activity or otherwise inducing a person to commit prostitution.
• Assignation: Criminal charges may apply if a person allegedly made an appointment for a person to engage in prostitution or otherwise arranged for prostitution to occur.
• Aiding or Abetting Prostitution: Helping another person engage in or arrange prostitution, such as by providing transportation or allowing prostitution to occur on a person's property, can lead to criminal charges.

These offenses may apply to conduct that occurs on the street, in private residences, hotels, massage parlors, or online platforms. Undercover officers may pose as sex workers or clients during sting operations to gather evidence of prostitution and make arrests.

Penalties for Prostitution and Related Offenses

The charges a person who is accused of an offense involving prostitution may face will depend on the specific allegations and whether they have any previous convictions. In general, a first offense of prostitution, assignation, aiding and abetting prostitution, or operating an establishment for the purpose of prostitution is a second-degree misdemeanor. In these cases, a conviction could lead to incarceration for up to 60 days and a $500 fine.

A second prostitution offense may result in first-degree misdemeanor charges, and in these cases, the potential sentence may be as high as one year in jail, as well as fines of up to $1,000. A third offense or any additional offenses may lead to third-degree felony charges, which may result in a prison sentence lasting for up to five years and a maximum fine of $5,000.

The penalties for solicitation of prostitution can be more serious. In these cases, a first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, and a second offense is a third-degree felony. Any subsequent offenses may lead to second-degree felony charges with sentences lasting for up to 15 years in prison. People convicted of solicitation will also be required to perform 100 hours of community service and attend an educational program about human trafficking and other issues related to commercial sex work. Solicitation offenses can also lead to civil penalties of $5,000.

Prostitution charges involving minors or allegations of human trafficking can result in more severe charges. A person who is accused of soliciting prostitution from a minor or aiding and abetting a minor as they engage in prostitution may be treated as a sexual predator, and they could face additional penalties related to these offenses.

Defending Against Prostitution Charges

There are multiple types of strong legal defenses that may be available in cases involving allegations of prostitution or solicitation. The prosecution may not have enough evidence to prove that money or other forms of payment were offered or exchanged in return for sexual activity. Our attorney can take steps to protect the rights of people who have been charged with prostitution offenses and defend against convictions, using strategies such as:

• Challenging the legality of an arrest and addressing concerns related to entrapment by undercover officers
• Demonstrating that there was no clear agreement for sexual activity or no exchange of money or other types of compensation
• Highlighting procedural errors that took place during an arrest, violations of a person's rights, or a lack of probable cause
• Investigating the procedures followed during an investigation and arrest, including recorded communications, surveillance records, and other evidence
• Negotiating agreements that will allow a case to be resolved through participation in diversion programs, deferred prosecution, or the dismissal of charges
• Working to have charges sealed or expunged from the client's record after the completion of a case

Our lawyer understands the importance of privacy and discretion in cases where a person has been arrested for prostitution. Our team handles these matters with professionalism and respect, working to minimize the impact on our clients' personal and professional lives.

Contact Our Miami, FL Prostitution Defense Lawyer

Following an arrest for prostitution, solicitation, or a related offense, you will need to make sure you have representation from a criminal defense lawyer who has experience with these types of cases. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years, but the right defense strategy can help you resolve your case successfully while protecting your rights and your reputation. Contact our Miami prostitution attorney today by calling 305-615-1285 to arrange a free consultation.