Gulf Shores Prostitution Lawyer

Facing a criminal charge is an overwhelming experience, one that often leaves the accused scared and confused. State law harshly penalizes crimes that are sexual in nature, and prostitution charges are no different.

These charges are aggressively prosecuted in Gulf Shores and across Alabama. Regardless of the circumstances involved, those charged with prostitution face an uphill battle given tough state laws. A conviction of prostitution, solicitation, or other related crimes can lead to serious legal penalties. In some cases, those convicted could face prison sentences and steep fines.

A prostitution conviction can have profound negative consequences on someone’s life, even if the conviction was a misdemeanor. Anyone charged with this crime, or related offenses, should contact a Gulf Shores prostitution lawyer immediately. A skilled defense lawyer can protect the accused’s rights, and help ensure they receive a fair trial.

Defining Prostitution

Alabama Code defines prostitution as “the commission by a person of any natural or unnatural sexual act, deviate sexual intercourse, or sexual contact for monetary consideration or other thing of value.” This means that selling sexual services, even to other consenting adults, is illegal in Alabama. The law broadly prohibits selling all types of sexual activity in exchange for anything of value.

Someone trading intercourse or other sexual favors for something valuable other than money could face prostitution charges. Even attempting to engage in prostitution could lead to charges, regardless of whether sexual activity occurred.

In addition to outlawing prostitution, Alabama also prohibits the following related activities:

• Soliciting prostitution
• Knowingly causing or aiding someone to engage in prostitution
• Procuring or soliciting prostitution patrons
• Providing persons or premises for prostitution purposes
• Accepting money or other proceeds stemming from prostitution
• Operating a prostitution enterprise

If charged with any of these offenses, it is imperative to seek the counsel of a Gulf Shores prostitution attorney.

Penalties for Conviction

Prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor, which is the highest classification of misdemeanor under state law. Those convicted of a Class A misdemeanor face up to one year in jail, and $6,000 in fines.

The best chance someone has at avoiding conviction, and these penalties, is to contact a lawyer immediately after arrest. A Gulf Shores prostitution lawyer can help the accused protect their rights and defend their reputation in and out of the courtroom.

Related Criminal Charges

The law defines many charges related to prostitution, including those listed above. One particularly serious related charge is promoting prostitution in the first, second, or third degrees. Promoting prostitution essentially means causing or helping someone engage in prostitution, or profiting from someone else engaging in prostitution.

This charge can also apply when someone causes or helps a child under the age of 16 engage in prostitution, or profits from that activity.

Below are the penalties someone convicted of promoting prostitution may face in Gulf Shores:

• Promoting prostitution, first degree: This is a Class B felony, and penalties include between two years (mandatory minimum) and 20 years in prison, and a fine up to $30,000
• Promoting prostitution, second-degree: This charge is a Class C felony, punishable by between one year plus one day (mandatory minimum) and 10 years in prison, and a fine up to $15,000
• Promoting prostitution, third degree: This charge is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, and a fine up to $6,000

Call a Gulf Shores Prostitution Attorney Now

Gulf Shores prostitution lawyers are ready to defend anyone accused of this or related crimes. They will protect the accused’s rights, and ensure police and prosecutors respect those rights during the entire case. Contact skilled lawyers today to see how they can help.

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