Prostitution is defined as a profession in which one performs sexual acts for money. Prostitution is illegal in nearly all areas of the U.S., except for a few counties in Nevada. Soliciting acts of prostitution is also a crime, called pandering or simply, soliciting. If you’re caught in the act of prostitution or in the solicitation of prostitution you need the help of experienced criminal defense attorneys to help you navigate this area of the law.
If you've been arrested for prostitution in the Maryland or Virginia areas, contact the experienced lawyers at Portner & Shure today at (410) 995-1515 for your free consultation.
Maryland Prostitution (Section 11-306)
The attorneys Portner & Shure have represented defendants charged with prostitution in Maryland over the last two decades. While the maximum penalties for prostitution charges are not severe, there is the risk of imprisonment. Hiring a criminal defense attorney experienced in this area of law can increase your chances of having your charges reduced or the penalties reduced.
As Maryland law dictates, a person may not knowingly:
- Engage in prostitution or assignation* by any means
- Procure or solicit to offer to procure or solicit for prostitution or assignation*
What are the Penalties for Prostitution in Maryland?
Any person found guilty of prostitution in Maryland will have a misdemeanor conviction on their record and can face up to one year imprisonment or a fine up to $500, or both.
In several counties throughout Maryland, State’s Attorneys are often agreeable to having anyone charged with a prostitution offense enter a diversion program, and in exchange, charges will be dismissed. The option to complete a diversion program in exchange for a dismissal of prostitution charges is not always available and is dependent on the facts of each individual case. An experienced criminal defense attorney has the ability to negotiate a favorable outcome for their client in a prostitution case.
*Assignation is the making of an appointment or engagement for prostitution or any act in furtherance of the appointment or engagement.
Virginia Prostitution (Section 18.2-346)
Portner & Shure attorneys have represented numerous defendants charged with prostitution in the Commonwealth of Virginia over the last two decades. While prostitution is a victimless crime, it still carries significant penalties. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney that has handled countless prostitution cases can increase your chances of having your charges dismissed or the penalties reduced.
What are the Penalties for Prostitution in Virginia?
Virginia law states that a person will be guilty of prostitution if they engage in sex in exchange for money. Penalties for being found guilty of prostitution include:
- A class 1 misdemeanor
- Imprisonment up to 1 year
- And/or up to a $2,500 fine
A common prostitution-related charge is the bawdy places charge (Section 18.2-347). A bawdy place is defined as any location, inside or outside, that is used for the purpose of prostitution. If you are found guilty of this offense, it is a class 1 misdemeanor and can result in imprisonment up to one year and/or up to a $2,500 fine.
Contact an Experienced Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia. & North carolina Prostitution Attorney Today
At Portner & Shure, we believe everyone has the right to justice and the representation necessary to achieve that. With decades of experience, our professional legal team has the knowledge and skills in criminal defense to help you during these trying times.
If you've been arrested for prostitution in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, or North Carolina areas, contact the experienced lawyers at Portner & Shure today at (410) 995-1515 for your free consultation.
