Prostitution and Solicitation Charges

An act of prostitution can result in serious charges for everyone involved. Coercing, soliciting, and engaging in prostitution are all criminal acts that could lead to jail time and heavy fines. The police sometimes run sting operations to catch individuals soliciting for prostitution. To be arrested for involvement in prostitution or solicitation, an individual merely has to be involved in a conversation discussing the exchange of money for a sexual act. Because the act itself does not have to take place for an arrest, an individual may be charged based on his or her words and intent alone.

Types of Charges

There are many criminal acts that may be committed during the offer or solicitation of prostitution. Under Florida law, an individual may be arrested for involvement with the following crimes:

• Forcing, compelling, or coercing another to engage in prostitution
• Involvement with sex trafficking
• Knowingly profiting from earnings made from prostitution
• Knowingly renting space to be used for prostitution

Penalties

Depending on the specific crime committed, a conviction for prostitution activity may range from a second degree misdemeanor to a first degree felony. The penalties for involvement in prostitution may include:

Imprisonment

• Up to 60 days for a second degree misdemeanor
• Up to 1 year for a first degree misdemeanor
• Up to 5 years for a third degree felony
• Up to 15 years for a second degree felony
• Up to 30 years or life imprisonment for a first degree felony

Fines

• Up to $500 for a second-degree misdemeanor
• Up to $1,000 for a first-degree misdemeanor
• Up to $5,000 for a third-degree felony
• Up to $10,000 for a second- or first-degree felony

If you have been arrested on criminal charges for involvement in prostitution, you may be facing serious penalties if convicted. A single conviction could impact the rest of your life and hurt your personal and professional reputation, making it difficult to find or keep a job, apply for a loan, or find a place to live.

If you have been involved in such a crime, consult a lawyer near you.