Criminal Defense Attorneys for Prostitution Charges in Memphis
Brooks Law Firm Will Protect Your Rights and Freedom in the Court Room
The following is a brief description of the charges relating to Prostitution in Tennessee. The Brooks Law firm understands the sensitive nature of crimes related to sexual misconduct, and as with all consultations, confidentiality is taken very seriously. Feel free to use the information below to develop a basic understanding of the law, but please seek the advice of an experienced criminal lawyer if you or someone you know is charged with crimes relating to any of the following:
Prostitution: The act of offering sexual activity for money is a criminal charge which can have negative effects on your job, life, and finances. Prostitution includes engaging in or offering sexual activity, and loitering in a public place for the purpose of being hired to perform sexual acts. “Sexual activity” is defined very broadly, and can include any activity which is sexual in nature, including homosexual sexual relations.
Prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor. However, if you are charged with prostitution within one hundred feet of a church or within one and one-half miles of a school (K-12), it is a Class A misdemeanor. Prostitution near a church or school is punishable by at least seven days of incarceration and a fine of at least $1,000, in addition to other punishments.
While defenses to the charge of prostitution are available, you will want to seek the advice of an experienced attorney who can determine whether and how they apply to your case. For example, if you were a victim of forced prostitution, sex trafficking, or underage, you will have a defense to the charge of prostitution. Finally, options such as diversion, counseling, or other services may be available in place of jail time or fines – this is why it is important to speak with an experienced attorney than can explain your options to you.
Patronizing Prostitution: This is the basic charge of hiring a prostitute. Patronizing prostitution is defined under the law as “soliciting or hiring another person with the intent that the other person engage in prostitution.” You do not need to exchange money – your guilt of the charge can be proven by your actions and intent. Being charged with prostitution can affect not only yourself, but your family and job as well. In addition to the financial strain, the social ramifications from being convicted of patronizing prostitution can be life-altering.
Patronizing prostitution is a Class B misdemeanor. However, Patronizing prostitution near a church or school (K-12) is a more serious crime – a Class A misdemeanor. A person convicted of patronizing prostitution near a church or school will be sentenced to at least seven days in prison and be fined at least $1,000 in addition to any other punishments. Patronizing prostitution from a person who is younger than eighteen years of age (a minor) or has an intellectual disability is even more serious, and is punishable as sex trafficking.
Some people assume that if an officer poses as a prostitute, that is entrapment – this is simply not true. While some defenses may be available in your case, you will need to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer who can advise you. It is also not a defense that the subject of the offense is a law enforcement officer. Further, if the victim is a minor, it does not matter if the victim consented because legally a minor cannot give such consent.
Despite the seriousness of these charges, you may still have options available to you. This is why it is important to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer about your case. You may be eligible for diversion, classes, or other options and may be able to have your charges dismissed entirely.
Promoting Prostitution: Commonly referred to as “pimping,” Promoting Prostitution includes, managing, supervising, or in any way “keeping a business for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.” More broadly, it includes agreeing to receive any benefit from the prostitution of another person. Recently, websites such as Backpage and Craigslist have been targeted by law enforcement because the use of those sites to promote prostitution is well-known.
A person who promotes prostitution has committed a Class E felony. In addition, promoting prostitution of a minor is punishable as “trafficking for a commercial sex act.” Depending on the facts, this could be considered a Class A or Class B felony. It is not a defense to charge of promoting prostitution that the victim is a law enforcement officer, or that the victim consented to the offense if the victim is a minor. Understanding whether the acts with which you have been charged constitute promoting prostitution and if any defenses are available are complicated questions which require the advice of an experienced attorney.
AGGRESSIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE FOR THE BEST RESULTS
Charges relating to prostitution and other sexual crimes can have serious consequences on your future job prospects and family. Patrick Brooks is a Memphis criminal defense lawyer that understands the consequences you are facing and works hard to protect your rights. The legal system can seem complicated at times, but attorney Patrick Brooks understands this and will find solutions to your problems. If facing difficult decisions regarding your prostitution charges, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Memphis Tennessee that will explain the criminal charges before you talk to anyone else. Brooks Law Firm will work hard to negotiate the best possible settlement of your case, including the dismissal of charges and expungement of your record. When your back is against the wall, our Memphis criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to helping you find the right solution to your criminal charges, including informing you of all options and defenses available.
Brooks Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for your freedom and the ability to move on after your case. Brooks Law Firm asks the tough questions. Is this your first offense? Were there extenuating circumstances? Did the officers involved violate your constitutional rights? There are many possible defenses that could exist in a prostitution case, and you have more options than just pleading guilty. Call today and talk to Patrick Brooks. Memphis criminal defense attorneys are ready to talk about your drug charges and all options for moving forward. Brooks Law Firm offers the initial consultation for free. Call (901) 324-5000.
Mr. Brooks will work across the divisions of the judicial system to get you the best possible result. Judges and prosecutors respect his drive and personal touch he gives both the cases and criminal clients he represents. You need a skilled attorney ready to get the best results possible in plea negotiations and courtroom presence. Brooks Law Firm has Spanish Interpreters available at a moment’s notice. Brooks Law Firm is fair, and works with clients in regards to costs, fees, and fines associated with your criminal charges. When you need a criminal defense lawyer in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee that will fight for your rights both inside and outside the courtroom, Attorney Patrick Brooks is who you should call.
FREE CONSULTATION OF YOUR THEFT CHARGE WITH A LAWYER
Our office is conveniently located in the heart of midtown Memphis and is handicap-equipped for disabled persons. We accept cash and credit cards and we will work with clients on payment plans when that option is available to suit the needs of the client. Call Patrick Brooks Law Firm’s attorneys for a free consultation today regarding your criminal charges. Our lawyers practice in: Arlington, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Germantown and Millington, Tennessee.