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Prostitution

Prostitution is arguably the world’s oldest profession, and is often overlooked when people think of sex crimes. After all, it’s a consensual interaction between adults, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. And even when it is, the practice is still illegal, and such deals are often made by shady businesses with questionable ethics. If you’ve been charged with some form of prostitution, or suspect you may be under investigation for prostitution charges, Hanlon Law in Kissimmee is here to fight for you. 


What is Prostitution?


The statute that deals with prostitution, Florida Statute 796.07, lists a series of activities related to prostitution that are illegal: 


  • Engaging in (or offering to engage in) prostitution
  • Purchasing the services of any person engaged in prostitution
  • Soliciting, inducing, enticing, or otherwise procuring another person to commit prostitution
  • Entering or remaining in (or agreeing to enter or remain in) any place for the purposes of prostitution
  • Offering (or agreeing to offer) to secure another person for the purposes of prostitution 
  • Owning, establishing, maintaining, or operating any place for the purposes of prostitution
  • Directing or transporting (or agreeing to direct or transport) any person to any place or other person for the purposes of prostitution
  • Receiving (or agreeing to receive) any person into a place for the purposes of prostitution
  • Allowing (or agreeing to allow) any person to remain in a place for the purposes of prostitution
  • Aiding and abetting another person with any of the above


Prostitution itself is defined by the same statute as the “giving or receiving of the body for sexual activity for hire.” Sexual activity, in this instance, includes vaginal, anal, and oral penetration, as well as the handling or fondling of another person’s sexual organs in order to masturbate one or both parties. Basically, any sexual acts, up to and including actual penetrative sex, that are traded for money or something else of value fall under prostitution. 


With this definition in mind, along with the list of prohibited activities relating to prostitution, it is basically illegal to be even remotely involved in any form of prostitution, whether or not you are actually involved in the sexual acts themselves. 


What are the Consequences for Prostitution Charges?


The sentence for a prostitution charge depends on how many times you have been charged with prostitution: 


  • First Offense - Second-Degree Misdemeanor (maximum of 60 days in jail, up to $500 in fines)
  • Second Offense - First-Degree Misdemeanor (maximum of 12 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines)
  • Third and Subsequent Offense - Third-Degree Felony (maximum of 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines)


This sentencing applies to all forms of prostitution violations, except for the solicitation of another person to commit prostitution. Sentencing for such charges are as follows:


  • First Offense - First-Degree Misdemeanor (maximum of 12 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines)
  • Second Offense - Third-Degree Felony (maximum of 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines)
  • Third and Subsequent Offense - Second-Degree Felony (maximum of 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines)


In addition to jail time and fines, those who solicit another person for the purposes of prostitution will also face a series of other consequences:


  • 100 hours of community service
  • Mandatory prostitution and human trafficking educational program
  • Potential impoundment of any vehicles or conveyances used in the commission of the crime


For all forms of prostitution, the involvement of minors may lead to further charges and subsequent consequences. Minors who engage in any form of prostitution, however, are considered victims of trafficking and cannot be charged under this statute.


Kissimmee Criminal Defense Lawyers


Prostitution charges are serious offenses that can lead to long-term consequences. And with such a broad umbrella of activities that can be considered contributing to or participating in prostitution, there are many ways to end up charged without actually engaging in the sexual transaction. That’s where Will Hanlon and Hanlon Law come into play. Our legal team has nearly twenty years of experience in the defense business. We’ll work tirelessly on your case and advocate aggressively on your behalf to help you secure the best possible outcome. If you’ve been charged with some form of prostitution, don’t leave things up to chance. Contact Hanlon Law today to schedule a free consultation.

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