Vienna, Virginia Prostitution Lawyers

Responsive Criminal Defense Strategies That Work

Being charged with prostitution is a serious matter. An accusation alone can result in the loss of one’s reputation in the community. The penalties for a conviction are even more severe and can have life-altering consequences, such as a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, and incarceration.

Building an effective defense early on is essential, which is why the services of our experienced Vienna, Virginia prostitution attorneys are highly recommended. Backed by more than 30 years of legal experience, our legal team is the name that criminal defendants throughout Vienna trust when there is so much on the line.

Before another day passes and you are undefended, call to get our help.

Prostitution Arrests in Vienna, Virginia

The internet has transformed prostitution from street-level crime to an online business in many situations. Prostitution and sexual services are now advertised online and can be performed in the privacy of a solicitor’s home. Laws against prostitution in Virginia have been escalated and refined in recent years to try to keep up with the changes. Sting operations have become a favorite among law enforcement agents to try to entrap people in the act of soliciting or selling prostitution.

Differences Between Prostitution & Solicitation

An examination of the differences between prostitution and solicitation reveals:

• Prostitution: Under Virginia law, prostitution is defined as performing a sexual act in exchange for money or its services. To be convicted of this offense, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must put forth evidence that the accused took a substantial step towards completing the action, e.g., physically exchanging money or some other significant action. Prostitution is class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law and carries potential penalties of 1 year in jail and/or a $2,500.00 fine.
• Solicitation: Under Virginia law, a person can be charged with soliciting a prostitute if they offered money or its equivalent in exchange for a sexual act. To be convicted of this offense, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must put forth evidence that the accused took a substantial step towards completing the action or offer. Solicitation is class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law and carries potential penalties of 1 year in jail and/or a $2,500.00 fine.

Other Prostitution Offenses in Vienna, Virginia

Aside from solicitation and prostitution, an individual can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor for visiting a “bawdy place.” You might not have heard this term before, though. A bawdy place is defined as a building or establishment where prostitution occurs. Visiting a bawdy place carries a potential penalty of 1 year in jail and/or a $2,500.00 fine.

How Can You Defend Against Prostitution Charges?

In order to be convicted of a prostitution-related offense, the Commonwealth’s Attorney has to prove an individual’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The facts and circumstances of each case are unique. Merely contacting a prostitute is insufficient evidence to obtain a conviction, so a detailed review of the evidence may reveal that the Commonwealth’s Attorney lacks sufficient evidence to prove their case. To identify this weakness in the prosecution’s case, and other possible defenses such as lack of intent, a thorough review of the evidence should be conducted by our experienced Vienna, Virginia prostitution lawyers.

Why You Should Depend on Us

Portner & Shure, P.A. has been around for more than 30 years, and we have been fighting for the rights of the criminally accused all the while. We have earned numerous professional awards for our case successes and dedication to professionalism. More importantly, we have created a long history of great case results for our clients, such as acquittals, case dismissals, and charge reductions.

Get our Vienna, Virginia prostitution defense lawyers on your side. Contact us online.