If you’ve been accused of being a prostitute or seeking one out, you could be facing some serious legal trouble. Your attorney can help you build up a strong defense against the claims, but it’s also important to understand why you’re being charged.
Although sex between two consenting adults is legal, prostitution is not. Being paid for sexual acts is illegal in every place in the United States except for Nevada. The act of prostitution can be heavily punished; soliciting prostitution is also a crime. According to federal statutes, the Mann Act has made it illegal to transport anyone from one place to another within the United States or foreign locations for immoral purposes.
A few people can be charged in a prostitution situation. The so-called prostitute, the customer and the middleman, often called the pimp, can be charged. The sexual acts do not have to take place to be illegal; if money has exchanged hands and sexual services are expected, then that’s enough to have a criminal charge placed against you.
If you’re paying for a prostitute, even going to the ATM with the idea of paying someone can be illegal. It doesn’t matter if the act actually takes place if you’re caught taking out money for those particular services. How would the police know? If you have texts, have someone with you who is a known prostitute or are in other particular situations, you could be accused of soliciting a prostitute.
If you didn’t plan to participate in these acts or there has been a misunderstanding, it’s important that you’re able to explain yourself to the courts. Your attorney can help you make your case, so you can have a chance to tell your side of the story.
Source: FindLaw, “Prostitution,” accessed Jan. 25, 2016
