Sumter County Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution is a crime in Sumter County. A conviction could result in fines and even jail time. If a person receives more than one conviction, the penalties for prostitution can become increasingly severe. If you are charged with prostitution, you should immediately contact a Sumter County prostitution lawyer. A seasoned criminal defense attorney could help mitigate the consequences of such a charge, perhaps keeping the court from administering a jail sentence. Call today to learn how an attorney can help with your case.

Prostitution Generally

Prostitution is generally defined as engaging in or agreeing to engage in sexual activity in exchange for anything of value. This means that it is possible to be convicted of engaging in prostitution even though no sexual activity has occurred, and even if no payment has occurred. Evidence of an agreement to engage in sexual activity for money is enough for the prosecution to secure a conviction. This evidence may even be in the form of testimony by an undercover officer who pretended to solicit as a sex worker.

Entering with Intent to Engage in Prostitution

South Carolina Code of laws §16-15-90 makes this type of act, or behavior, a crime of prostitution. It also enumerates additional, related behavior which can be prosecutable in Sumter County. For example, a person can be charged for prostitution for entering, residing, or remaining in a place, structure, building, trailer, or conveyance for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. It is also illegal to aid or abet another in engaging in prostitution.

There is a provision in §16-15-90 which makes it a crime to keep or set up a house of ill fame, bawdyhouse, or brothel. While some of these words may seem antiquated and vague, they nevertheless are on the books as valid law in Sumter County.

Prostitution and Vehicles

Sumter County law makes it a crime to receive a person into or allow them to remain in a vehicle or transport a person in furtherance of their attempt to commit the crime of prostitution. To be convicted under this provision, the driver or owner of the vehicle need not possess actual knowledge of another’s intent to engage in prostitution. The law merely requires that the defendant have a reasonable belief that another intends to engage in prostitution.

Penalties for Prostitution

For a defendant’s first conviction, the punishment will be a fine of up to $200 or a potential jail sentence of up to 30 days, but not both. Upon a defendant’s second conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail term of up to six months. A third conviction is punishable by up to $3,000 in fines and up to a year in jail. Someone facing prostitution charges should consult with a reliable Sumter County prostitution lawyer.

Contacting a Sumter County Prostitution Attorney

You should always call a Sumter County prostitution lawyer to review your case when charged with prostitution. You need to someone with experience to build the best defense possible because of the range of potential consequences. Due to the definitions associated with many Sumter County prostitution laws, it is very possible that an attorney could successfully challenge an allegation of engaging in prostitution.

If you are charged with any form of prostitution in Sumter County, you do not have to face this charge alone. You have the right to challenge it. Call today to learn more.