Baltimore, Maryland Prostitution Lawyer

Sex Crime Defense from Trusted Local Attorneys

The penalties for a prostitution-related conviction can be severe even though the crime is not violent. These potential penalties could include the loss of your reputation, a permanent criminal record, and incarceration.

The award-winning criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. can fight to protect your rights and your freedom. We know that your freedom and reputation are at stake. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been successfully representing clients in prostitution matters in Baltimore and throughout the State of Maryland for over 30 years. Put our experience to your advantage. We provide our services to a variety of communities in Maryland because our staff fluently speaks English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese).

Call (410) 995-1515 to arrange for our legal services and representation.

Maryland Prostitution Laws

Prostitution laws in Maryland include:

· Maryland State law prohibits the act of prostitution. Under Maryland Criminal Code 11-303, prostitution is a misdemeanor offense and is defined as a sexual act performed in exchange for compensation. A conviction for violating 11-303 carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $500.

· Maryland State law prohibits the act of solicitation. Under Maryland Criminal Code 11-306, solicitation is a misdemeanor offense and is defined as encouraging, requesting, advising, persuading, inducing, commanding, or urging another individual to perform a sexual act for compensation. A conviction for violating 11-306 carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $500.

· Maryland State law prohibits an individual from operating a house of prostitution. Under Maryland Criminal Code 11-307, operating a house of prostitution is a misdemeanor offense and is defined as any building, structure, or conveyance where sexual acts are performed for compensation. A conviction for violating 11-307 carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $500.

· Maryland State law prohibits an individual from receiving the earnings of a prostitute. A conviction for violating Maryland Criminal Code 11-304 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.

· Maryland State law prohibits human trafficking. Under Maryland Criminal Code 3-1102, trafficking is a misdemeanor offense and is defined as taking, placing, inducing, encouraging, or causing to place a person in any place for the purpose of prostitution. A conviction for violating 3-1102 carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail and/or a fine of $5,000.

Defenses to Prostitution Charges

A review of the evidence in a prosecution case may reveal that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove their case or that an essential witness lacks credibility. These facts alone may be sufficient to create reasonable doubt. Additionally, if a person can produce evidence that they withdrew or attempted to withdraw from the purchase of a sexual act, this may also be enough to generate reasonable doubt. In cases where a plea is advisable to a trial, the criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. know how to negotiate favorable deals on behalf of their clients.

Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A.?

If you are charged with prostitution or a prostitution-related crime, retaining an effective Baltimore, Maryland Prostitution Lawyer is crucial. The experienced attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. can fight to protect your reputation, career, and your freedom.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your Baltimore City prostitution case, contact us at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.