Charleston Prostitution Lawyer

State prostitution laws cover more than the act of paying for sex, and both the legal and social consequences can be considerable. It is illegal in the State of South Carolina to buy or sell sex or to profit from the sale of sex. These charges are generally misdemeanors, but factors can elevate these crimes to felonies. If you have been charged with a crime that relates to prostitution, Dayne Phillips is an experienced Charleston prostitution lawyer who could help. Reach out to our firm now to discuss your case with a criminal defense attorney.

What is Prostitution?

Prostitution is the crime of exchanging money or anything of value for sex. The sex itself does not need to take place for the charge of prostitution to apply. As your Charleston attorney could explain, you could be charged for soliciting potential customers to pay for sex or exposing your body indecently for the purposes of prostitution.

Entering, remaining in, or residing in a building or another place, such as a car, for the purpose of prostitution, lewdness, or assignation—which refers to making or keeping a prostitution-related appointment—could also result in a prostitution charge.

Pimping and Pandering

The crime of pimping refers to making money from someone else’s prostitution, and pandering refers to the facilitation of prostitution. Each of the following is against state law:

• Setting up or maintaining a brothel or any other business that deals in prostitution, including massage parlors
• Soliciting or securing someone for the purpose of prostitution
• Knowingly aiding or abetting prostitution
• Directing or taking someone to a place of prostitution for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution
• Renting a room, building, vehicle, or any other structure with the reasonable belief that it is used for lewdness, assignation, or prostitution

Get the help of an experienced attorney to deal with charges of prostitution, pimping, or pandering.

Is It Illegal To Hire a Prostitute?

Buying the services of a prostitute is a crime in South Carolina. Doing the hiring is enough for the charge to stick—it is not necessary for the sex to take place. Soliciting a prostitute’s services or allowing someone to enter one’s home, car, or hotel room in order to exchange money for sex can qualify as patronizing prostitution.

What Are the Possible Fines and Penalties?

The severity of a prostitution-related offense depends on a range of variables that include whether the defendant has a prior offense on their record. A first offense is generally a misdemeanor, and a conviction can carry up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $200. A conviction for a second offense is enhanced to the degree that it carries up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000. With three or more convictions on a record, the charge can carry up to a year in prison and fines of up to $3,000. Consult an attorney in Charleston to discuss possible fines and penalties related to prostitution charges.

Prostitution When Children Are Nearby

When the prostitution charge is based on a crime that takes place within 100 yards of a childcare facility, the charge can be enhanced to a felony. In these cases, a conviction can mean up to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Allowing, soliciting, or encouraging a minor to engage in prostitution is a felony charge. If convicted, the accused can face up to a 10-year prison sentence and fines of up to $5,000. Promoting the prostitution of a child who is not yet 18 can also require inclusion on the sex offender registry.

The Social Consequences of a Prostitution Charge

The social consequences for all crimes are harsh, but when the crime involves prostitution, the effects can be even more severe. Prostitution charges can have serious reputational ramifications as well as making it difficult to find a job, rent a place to live, or obtain educational opportunities. The fact is that your criminal record is available to the public, and could directly affect your future. Having the professional legal representation of a focused prostitution attorney in Charleston is the best course of action.

Consult With an Experienced Charleston Prostitution Attorney Today

Dayne Phillips is a well-respected Charleston prostitution lawyer who has a wealth of experience successfully guiding these challenging cases toward optimal outcomes. Learn more about what we could do to help you by contacting us today.