Fort Lauderdale, Florida Prostitution Attorney

Lawyer for Prostitution and Solicitation Charges in Fort Lauderdale

When someone is arrested for an offense related to prostitution, they may experience immediate consequences that may affect their reputation, employment, and other areas of their life. The penalties of a conviction can be even more severe, and they may include large fines and sentences that will require them to spend time in jail. Whether a person has been accused of engaging in prostitution, soliciting the services of a prostitute, promoting prostitution, or other related offenses, a strong defense will be needed.

The criminal defense lawyer at The Hoffman Firm represents people in Fort Lauderdale who have been charged with prostitution, solicitation, or other related crimes. We understand the legal penalties and personal consequences that a person may face in these situations, and we provide confidential, non-judgmental, and compassionate legal representation. We can provide guidance on the defense strategies that may be available, and our attorney will fight aggressively to protect our clients' rights and help them achieve favorable outcomes to these cases.

Situations That May Lead to Prostitution-Related Charges

Arrests for prostitution or related offenses can occur in a variety of circumstances. Many arrests are based on sting operations or law enforcement surveillance in areas targeted by vice units. Prostitution charges may be based on situations such as:

• An undercover officer posing as a sex worker or client in a hotel or on the street
• Records of text messages or online communications proposing a sexual act in exchange for money
• A massage parlor or escort service investigation revealing sexual activity that was allegedly performed for compensation
• A person is accused of arranging or facilitating sexual encounters for others

Even if no money changes hands or no physical act occurs, a person may still be arrested and charged based on the agreement or intent to engage in a prohibited act.

Florida Laws on Prostitution and Related Offenses

Under Florida Statutes Section 796.07, prostitution charges may involve engaging in, offering to engage in, or soliciting sexual activity in exchange for payment. The law also criminalizes activities related to the promotion of prostitution, including recruiting or transporting people who will engage in prostitution or owning or maintaining a building or structure where prostitution occurs. If a person is accused of arranging prostitution by making appointments or otherwise furthering acts of prostitution, they may be charged with assignation.

Prostitution, assignation, or promotion of prostitution is typically charged as a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense, and a conviction could result in a maximum jail sentence of 60 days. A second offense may result in first-degree misdemeanor charges, with a potential jail sentence of up to one year. Any subsequent offenses may result in third-degree felony charges, and a conviction may lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

Solicitation of prostitution is treated as a more serious offense. A first charge of solicitation is a first-degree felony, and a second offense is a third-degree felony. A third or subsequent charge may be classified as a second-degree felony with a potential prison sentence lasting up to 15 years. In addition, a person convicted of solicitation may be required to perform 100 hours of community service and attend an educational program about human trafficking.

Defense Strategies for Prostitution and Solicitation Charges

Our lawyer can carefully examine the specific facts surrounding an arrest for prostitution or solicitation, the conduct of law enforcement officers, and the available evidence to build a strong defense against a conviction. He may use strategies such as:

• Entrapment: Police officers may persuade, coerce, or induce someone to commit a prostitution offense that they would not have otherwise committed. In prostitution stings, officers may cross legal boundaries by initiating or escalating conversations, making promises, or using inappropriate pressure.
• Lack of Agreement or Intent: In many cases, an alleged agreement to engage in prostitution may have been vague or non-existent. If there was no clear offer or acceptance of money in exchange for a sexual act, the prosecution may not be able to prove the required intent.
• Misidentification: In sting operations or surveillance-based arrests, the identity of the person involved may be unclear, or a person may be misidentified.
• Violations of Constitutional Rights: If police violated the accused's rights by conducting an unlawful search, recording private conversations without proper legal authorization, or performing an arrest without probable cause, our attorney may move to suppress the evidence obtained or have the case dismissed.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale, FL Prostitution and Solicitation Defense Lawyer

When facing charges of prostitution, solicitation, or a related offense, a strong defense can be crucial. At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer can help you fight these charges, protect your rights, and work toward a positive resolution that will minimize the impact on your freedom and your future. Contact our Fort Lauderdale prostitution defense attorney and set up a free consultation by calling our office at 954-524-4474.