Clemson Prostitution Lawyer

Aside from potentially resulting in embarrassing personal and professional repercussions, a conviction for soliciting or engaging in prostitution can have serious criminal consequences in South Carolina as well. This is especially true if the person whom you patronized for sexual services was a minor, even if you were not aware that they were under the age of consent.

Fortunately, it is possible to effectively contest charges for prostitution-related offenses with guidance from an experienced Clemson prostitution lawyer. Once retained, your dedicated defense attorney could ensure you understand each option available to you under your circumstances, help you construct a compelling defense strategy tailored to the prosecution’s case against you, and tirelessly advocate on behalf of your best interests from start to finish of your case.

How State Law Defines Prostitution Offenses

In South Carolina, prostitution entails the offering or providing of sexual services in exchange for money, services, or anything else of value. South Carolina Code of Laws §16-15-90 criminalizes the associated acts of engaging in prostitution for personal profit, knowingly aiding or abetting prostitution, prostituting another person for personal gain, knowingly bringing a prostitute into a building or vehicle, and soliciting someone else to engage in prostitution.

Additionally, S.C. Code §16-15-100 makes it illegal to intentionally procure a prostitute for someone else, receive anything of value in exchange for procurement services, encourage or coerce a woman into becoming a prostitute, or knowingly accept anything of value from a prostitute without consideration. All offenses listed under both statutes could result in maximum penalties of 30 days in jail and a $200 fine upon conviction for a first offense, as per S.C. Code §16-15-110.

Notably, successive convictions for prostitution-related offenses may result in more severe criminal sanctions. A second conviction is punishable by up to six months in jail plus a $1,000 fine, and third and subsequent offenses allow a court to impose a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $3,000. With this in mind, representation from a skilled Clemson prostitution attorney could be especially important for anyone facing prostitution charges whose has been convicted for such an offense before.

Increased Penalties for Prostitution of a Minor

If someone allegedly participates in the prostitution of a minor by soliciting a minor for sexual services and/or paying a minor or a third party for such services, they may face felony charges under S.C. Code §16-15-415. Additionally, it is important to note that defendants cannot use mistake of age as a defense to charges of this nature.

A conviction for patronizing a minor prostitution could result in a minimum sentence of two years in prison up to a maximum of five years, and accusations of promoting the prostitution of a minor can lead to even harsher sanctions of three to 20 years of imprisonment. A skilled prostitution lawyer in Clemson could explain how these particular charges work in greater detail and review potential defense strategies during a confidential consultation.

A Clemson Prostitution Attorney Could Provide Legal Assistance

A misdemeanor prostitution charge may not seem like a serious matter to everyone, but state law enforcement authorities certainly treat it as one, and the consequences of a conviction can be dire even for someone without any prior criminal record. If you want to effectively protect your rights in the face of such an allegation, representation from knowledgeable legal counsel may be a virtual necessity.

Working with a Clemson prostitution lawyer could make all the difference in how your case plays out and what conclusion it ultimately has. Call today to schedule a consultation.