Cayce Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution is considered a serious crime in Cayce, and the consequences of a conviction or even the arrest itself can cause complications in many areas of life for years to come, potentially affecting opportunities for housing, jobs, and even relationships. For this reason, it is wise for anyone charged with prostitution or other sex crimes to speak with a knowledgeable Cayce prostitution lawyer who can explain the charges and their ramifications and provide advice about options for fighting the charges. Read on to learn about how a professional defense attorney could make a difference in your case today.

South Carolina’s Prostitution Laws

Section 16-15-90 of the South Carolina criminal code describes a great number of different activities that are prohibited in connection with the practice of prostitution. Prostitution is generally defined under common law as the performance of a sexual act in exchange for money or other valuable consideration. In addition to these activities, subsequent statutes add further strictures. Prohibited behavior under these statutes includes:

• Engaging in prostitution
• Knowingly aiding or abetting prostitution
• Soliciting or procuring individuals for prostitution
• Indecent exposure for an indecent purpose, including prostitution
• Staying in a location for the purpose of assignation or prostitution
• Keeping a house of ill repute
• Allowing someone to enter or main inside a vehicle or building for prostitution
• Transporting someone to a location with the knowledge that the transportation is for prostitution
• Renting a vehicle or property with the knowledge that it will be used for prostitution
• Procuring an individual to work in a house of prostitution
• Using any means to persuade someone to engage in prostitution

These actions refer to the practice of prostitution involving adults. When minors under the age of 18 are involved, a separate statute applies. Criminal solicitation of a minor is governed by §16-15-342 of the Code and the penalties are more severe. For this reason, it is significant to have legal representation of a skilled Cayce prostitution lawyer in court.

Penalties Applicable in Prostitution Cases

The penalties for those convicted of violating South Carolina’s prostitution laws include jail time and fines. For a first offense, an individual may be subject to imprisonment for up to 30 days or be forced to pay a fine of up to $200. For a second offense, both a fine and jail term may be imposed with higher maximum limits. The maximum fine becomes $1,000 and the maximum term of imprisonment increases to six months.

A third or subsequent violation may result in a fine of up to $3,000 and up to a year in prison. If an individual is found to be guilty of soliciting a minor under §16-15-342, the offense escalates to a felony with penalties that include up to ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000.

Working with a Cayce Prostitution Lawyer

Criminal charges involving prostitution can have far-reaching consequences. Before taking any action, it is worthwhile to consult an experienced Cayce prostitution lawyer to find out what legal defense strategies are available in your particular situation. The way in which an investigation or sting operation was conducted by law enforcement can have a tremendous impact on court proceedings. Law enforcement personnel may have set up an illegal entrapment situation, failed to follow adequate procedures, or arrested individuals guilty of nothing more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are facing these charges, do not hesitate to reach out to a dedicated Cayce prostitution lawyer today for your initial consultation.