If you’re facing criminal charges related to prostitution or other sex crimes, it can be scary and confusing. You are likely dealing with strong emotions and anxiety about what will happen next. It is important to remember that you have rights, and there are ways to defend yourself against these charges. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is essential.
If you were recently arrested for prostitution in Phoenix, AZ, we can help. Contact Orent Law Offices to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Phoenix prostitution defense lawyer or call (480) 656-7301 .
If you’re looking for legal assistance, you’ve come to the right place. Our Phoenix criminal defense law firm has been dedicated to helping people just like you since 2011.
Here’s why you should work with a Phoenix prostitution defense attorney at Orent Law Offices:
If you need help with a prostitution-related charge in Phoenix, Arizona, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The language of the Arizona law on prostitution is relatively vague regarding what it prohibits, simply stating: “It is unlawful for a person to knowingly engage in prostitution.”
While the prostitution statute in Arizona is somewhat vague, the state legislature does provide additional guidance. In a separate statute, prostitution is defined as engaging in sexual conduct with another individual for money or other valuables.
This agreement between two parties must involve an exchange of some sort – be it verbal or written – and can include various forms of payment such as cash, goods, and services.
Engaging in prostitution is a serious offense in the state of Arizona. Depending on the number of convictions, it can be classified as either a Class 1 misdemeanor or a Class 5 felony.
The first time you are convicted of prostitution in Phoenix, it will be a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the highest-level misdemeanor that someone can be charged with. If convicted, you must serve at least 15 consecutive days in jail and are not eligible for probation or suspension of sentence until all your time has been served.
If you have been previously convicted three or more times, the offense becomes a Class 5 felony with an incarceration period of not less than 180 consecutive days. You are not eligible for probation or suspension of sentence until all time is served.
For those who have been arrested or convicted of this crime, learning about the possible defenses can be helpful. Some of the most common legal defenses to prostitution include the following:
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement agents induce someone into committing a crime they would not normally commit. In cases of entrapment, defendants can argue that law enforcement agents coerced them into performing the act of prostitution and, therefore, should not be held responsible for their actions.
This defense can be used when the defendant has never been convicted of prostitution before.
When it comes to legal proceedings, “consideration” refers to something of value given in exchange for an agreed-upon action. In the context of a prostitution charge, consideration is what motivates someone to participate in sexual activity— money or something else of value must change hands for a conviction to hold up in court.
If you are facing charges related to prostitution, it will be essential for your attorney to show that no consideration was exchanged between the parties involved. This can be done through witness statements and other evidence, such as video footage or text messages.
Victims of sex trafficking sometimes find themselves facing charges related to prostitution due to their involvement in activities associated with it. In these cases, victims can use this as an affirmative defense to avoid criminal penalties for their actions.
To successfully make this argument, victims must provide evidence that they were forced into participating in acts associated with prostitution against their will and without any knowledge or understanding of what they were doing. They may also need to provide evidence that shows they were manipulated by traffickers or other individuals involved in sex trafficking activities.
Prostitution is a serious crime with serious consequences. However, those who have been charged have legal options. With proper guidance from an experienced Phoenix sex crimes attorney familiar with defending against charges related to prostitution, you can rest assured knowing that your rights will remain secure throughout your case proceedings.
Contact Orent Law Offices to schedule a free consultation to speak with a Phoenix prostitution defense attorney.
