Myrtle Beach Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution involves the exchange of sexual activity for money or some other thing of value. This crime can occur without money ever changing hands, as the offer alone is enough for a conviction. While facing these allegations can feel daunting, the good news is that you have the opportunity to fight back with the help of a skilled defense attorney.

Our firm will work tirelessly to help you build the strongest possible defense. Before you consider accepting a plea, discuss your case with a Myrtle Beach prostitution lawyer right away.

How is Prostitution Defined?

Under the law, prostitution is broadly defined to include all parties involved in exchanging money for sex. Both the person offering sexual contact and the individual soliciting could be charged with the crime. These transactions can be for money or any other thing of value, including goods or services. The offer alone is enough to lead to a conviction even if no sex acts ever take place.

Arrests for prostitution often occur when two people are caught engaging in sexual activity for money. However, the police can make an arrest for simply soliciting or offering this type of arrangement.

Prostitution charges are also appropriate against other parties. Anyone facilitating illegal sex work can be charged just like if they were a participant. These offenses are taken seriously by prosecutors, but our Myrtle Beach prostitution defense attorneys are here to advocate for you.

Penalties for a Prostitution Conviction

A conviction for prostitution can have serious consequences that follow you for a lifetime. First-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $200 if they are found guilty. The potential penalties only go up from there, with a second offense meaning up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The highest penalties are reserved for third or subsequent offenses. In those cases, you could spend up to a year in jail and on top of a maximum fine of $3,000.

Some of the longest-lasting effects of a conviction have nothing to do with jail time or fines. If you are found guilty, you will have a permanent criminal record, which can impact everything from your employment to your housing opportunities. These collateral consequences can be difficult to deal with even after you have served your sentence. A Myrtle Beach prostitution defense attorney can help you fight these charges and avoid any potential penalties.

Defense Strategies

You have different options when it comes time to challenge the state’s evidence against you. Your attorney can thoroughly investigate the facts before highlighting the strongest possible strategies. Some options include the following:

Entrapment

You may have a viable defense if you can show the police coerced you into committing a crime when you would not have otherwise. Law enforcement has the right to use deception, and they frequently set up fake dates with sex workers with the intention of catching them in the act. However, they are not entitled to entrap you into committing a crime. This defense is uncommon, but it has been used successfully in prostitution cases.

Lack of Evidence

The prosecution has to prove their case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. What many people do not understand is that this is a high burden that the government is not always able to prove. In some situations, the right defense is to point out the weakness of the case against you.

No Commercial Exchange

An agreement between two people to engage in sexual activity is only prostitution when there is a promise of money. It may be possible to show that there was no commercial relationship between the parties and that any sexual activity was for their own private reasons.

Talk to a Prostitution Defense Attorney in Myrtle Beach Today

These allegations are serious, but it is possible to beat them with the right approach. Let a Myrtle Beach prostitution lawyer answer your questions during a confidential case evaluation.